Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
This Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe provides a balanced and delicious combination of protein, carbs, and veggies with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Burrito Bowl Components
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice), hot and fluffy per bowl
- 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef, juicy and saucy per bowl
- 1/4 cup black beans, canned, rinsed & drained per bowl
- 1/4 cup corn, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) per bowl
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, freshly grated per bowl
- 2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl
Taco-Seasoned Ground Beef (≈4 servings)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or ~2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Garnishes
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Your Rice: Prepare 1 cup of rice per bowl according to the package directions using either stovetop or rice cooker methods. For best results, rinse white rice until the water runs clear before cooking. After cooking, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Keep the rice hot and fluffy until assembling.
- Brown & Season the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to heat, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, and add 1/2 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy. If the mixture appears dry, add an additional 1–2 tablespoons of water to achieve the desired sauciness.
- Prep the Toppings: Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. If using canned corn, drain it; if frozen, thaw slightly. Chop fresh cilantro finely. To prevent the toppings from cooling the bowl, quickly warm the beans and corn in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds before serving.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowl: Spoon hot rice into each serving bowl. Neatly arrange 1/2 cup of the seasoned ground beef, 1/4 cup of black beans, and 1/4 cup of corn in separate sections over the rice. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top to allow it to melt slightly. Finish each bowl with 2 tablespoons of salsa or pico de gallo and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
- Time-saver: Use microwaveable or leftover rice to reduce total cooking time to about 20 minutes.
- Meal prep: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days; assemble and reheat before serving.
- Make it lighter: Use brown rice, part-skim cheese, and low-sodium taco seasoning to reduce calories and sodium.
- Variations: Add lettuce, avocado slices, sautéed peppers, or a drizzle of sour cream or chipotle mayo to customize the bowl.
Keywords: beef rice bowl, burrito bowl, ground beef burrito bowl, meal prep
