Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Need a weeknight dinner that’s bold, filling, and fast? This ground beef burrito bowl packs juicy taco-seasoned beef, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, melty cheddar, and a cool pop of salsa and cilantro. It’s high-protein, customizable, and great for meal prep.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Rice Cooker (optional)
- Microwave (optional)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Knife & Cutting Board
Ingredients
Burrito Bowl Components
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice) per bowl, hot and fluffy
- 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef per bowl, juicy and saucy (see mix below)
- 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 per bowl, freshly grated for best melt
- 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: Cook 1 cup rice per bowl according to package directions (stovetop or rice cooker). Keep it hot and fluffy. Tip: Rinse white rice until water runs clear; add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt after cooking for extra flavor.
- Brown & Season the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, breaking it up; cook until browned, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Return to heat, sprinkle in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Stir and simmer 3–5 minutes until saucy and glossy. If dry, add 1–2 tbsp water.
- Prep the Toppings: Rinse & drain black beans. Drain or thaw corn. Chop cilantro. Tip: Warm beans and corn briefly (30–60 seconds in the microwave) so they don’t cool the bowl.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowl: Spoon hot rice into each bowl. Add 1/2 cup seasoned beef, 1/4 cup black beans, and 1/4 cup corn in neat sections. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar to melt. Finish with 2 tbsp salsa and 1 tbsp cilantro. Optional: lime wedge for garnish.
Notes
Time-saver: Use microwaveable or leftover rice to reduce total time to ~20 minutes. Meal prep: Store components separately up to 4 days; assemble and heat before serving. Make it lighter: Use brown rice, part-skim cheese, and low-sodium taco seasoning. Variations: Add lettuce, avocado, sautéed peppers, or a drizzle of sour cream or chipotle mayo.