Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

This hearty ground beef burrito bowl has become my weeknight dinner superhero - ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pot for minimal cleanup. The combination of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, beans and veggies creates a complete meal the whole family will devour.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial yet simple. What started as a desperate dinner solution has become our most requested family meal, especially on soccer practice nights when time is tight.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: the star protein that adds richness and satisfying texture
• Onion and garlic: create an aromatic flavor base that enhances everything
• Rice: absorbs all the delicious flavors while making the dish hearty and filling
• Canned tomatoes: provide acidity and moisture for perfectly cooked rice
• Taco seasoning: delivers bold Mexican flavors without measuring multiple spices
• Black beans: add protein fiber and a creamy texture
• Corn: brings natural sweetness and a pop of color
• Bell pepper: adds freshness crunch and vitamin C
• Chicken broth: creates depth of flavor as the rice cooks
• Lime juice: brightens the entire dish with a final touch of acidity
• Cheddar cheese: creates that irresistible melty finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic cooking them until they begin to brown and become fragrant about 3 to 4 minutes. This initial step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the pan with the aromatics breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain excess grease after cooking to prevent the final dish from becoming greasy.

Combine Everything:

Add uncooked rice tomatoes tomato paste taco seasoning corn black beans bell pepper and chicken broth to the pan. Stir thoroughly ensuring the rice is completely submerged in liquid and the seasonings are evenly distributed. This one step preparation is what makes this recipe so convenient.

Simmer Until Perfect:

Bring the mixture to a full boil then immediately reduce to a simmer and cover. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid becoming tender while the ingredients meld together. Resist the urge to stir during this time.

Finish and Serve:

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish and stir to incorporate. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover for 1 to 2 minutes until melted. Serve in bowls with your favorite toppings like avocado sour cream or cilantro.

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The taco seasoning is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I once tried making it without and the flavor difference was remarkable. I keep homemade taco seasoning in a jar now specifically for this dish, though store bought works perfectly too.

Storage and Leftovers

This burrito bowl actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rice will absorb more moisture as it sits, so when reheating you might want to add a splash of broth or water to bring back the original consistency.

For meal prep, portion into individual containers with a small separate container for fresh toppings like avocado or sour cream. This keeps everything fresh until ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible and forgiving. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Brown rice can substitute for white rice but will require about 15 minutes additional cooking time and potentially more liquid. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double the beans for protein.

For a lower carb version, cauliflower rice works beautifully though you will need to reduce the cooking time significantly. Simply add the cauliflower rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning.

Serving Suggestions

Create a DIY burrito bowl bar by setting out the cooked mixture alongside bowls of toppings. Some favorite additions include diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and additional lime wedges. This interactive approach is perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

For a complete feast, serve with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or warm tortillas for scooping. The versatility makes this dish perfect for everything from busy weeknights to casual weekend gatherings.

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in place of beef. Just cook as you would the beef, adjusting seasoning as needed.

→ What type of rice should I use?

Long grain white rice is recommended, but brown rice or jasmine rice can also be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

→ How do I prevent the rice from being too wet or too dry?

If the rice is too wet at the end of cooking, simmer with the lid off to cook off extra liquid. If not tender enough, cover and cook a few more minutes.

→ Are fresh tomatoes necessary or can I use canned?

Canned diced or crushed tomatoes work well, but you can substitute an equal amount of chopped fresh tomatoes with their juices.

→ What are some good garnish ideas?

Try diced avocado, cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or extra lime wedges.