This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a fun and hearty meal that brings all your favorite flavors together in one bowl! You have seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings.
It’s super easy to make, and guess what? You can customize it just the way you like! I love piling on the toppings—extra guacamole, please! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of your burrito bowl! You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist. I personally love using lean beef for a balance of flavor and health.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. You can use red onion for a milder taste or shallots for a subtle sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, onion powder could work in a pinch.
Taco Seasoning: The packet makes it easy, but homemade seasoning (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika) can be more flavorful. I like to adjust the spice level based on my mood!
Black Beans: These provide protein and texture. If you’re not a fan, try pinto beans or chickpeas. You can also leave them out and add extra veggies instead!
Avocado: A key ingredient for guacamole! If avocados aren’t ripe, you can use store-bought guacamole or even Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, though it’ll change the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef might seem simple, but it’s essential to get it just right for the best flavor and texture. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet until the oil shimmers—this helps the meat brown nicely.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula while cooking. Don’t rush it; let it brown evenly for about 6-8 minutes.
- If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it to avoid a greasy dish, but leave some for flavor.
- Stir in your taco seasoning and a splash of water. This keeps the beef moist and enhances its flavor.
These steps will help make your burrito bowl hearty and delicious!
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Guacamole and Toppings:
- 1 avocado, mashed (for guacamole)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes chopping and cooking, plus a few moments to layer everything together beautifully before serving. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off to keep it leaner.
3. Add Seasoning:
Once the meat is cooked, mix in the taco seasoning and add about 1/4 cup of water to help everything combine. Stir it well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so all the flavors come together nicely.
4. Layer Your Bowl:
Now, grab some serving bowls and start building your burrito bowl! Begin with a nice layer of the cooked white rice at the bottom. On top of the rice, add the ground beef mixture, followed by layers of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and red onion. Feel free to pile it on!
5. Make the Guacamole:
For the guacamole, take a fork and mash the avocado in a small bowl. Then add the lime juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and delicious. Spoon this lovely guacamole right over your burrito bowl.
6. Add the Final Touches:
Top your burrito bowl with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It adds a wonderful pop of color and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Ground Beef Burrito Bowls immediately, and don’t forget to add some lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Dive into this delicious meal and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may need a bit longer to cook and might require a dash more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. You could also add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to keep it flavorful and satisfying!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the components separately in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to keep the guacamole fresh, store it in a separate container and add a splash of lime juice to help prevent browning.
Can I Make the Guacamole Ahead of Time?
While guacamole is best fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. To keep it from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole or add an extra squeeze of lime juice before storing in the fridge.
