If you’ve ever dreamed of all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors piled into one irresistible, super-fast bowl, meet your new obsession: the Ground Beef Burrito Bowl. It’s got all the best parts of a classic burrito—spiced beef, colorful veggies, tender rice, and all the toppings—delivered in a way that’s fresh, healthy, and totally customizable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burrito Flavor, No Wrapping: All the flavors of a loaded burrito, without the fuss of rolling or fussing with tortillas.
- Customizable for Everyone: Perfect for picky eaters or dietary needs—everyone builds their own dream bowl!
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Fast, family-friendly, and totally satisfying, even on busy weeknights.
- All the Colors (and Crunch!): Crisp lettuce, tender peppers, and all your favorite toppings make this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a bowl bursting with flavor. Each component plays its part: bold, spiced beef, hearty beans, crisp veggies, and creamy, zesty toppings bring multiple textures and layers of taste you’ll crave all week long!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps sauté the veggies for that irresistible caramelized edge.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and a gentle crunch to the mix.
- Red Onion: Sweet, colorful, and tender when cooked—plus they look gorgeous in the bowl.
- Dried Oregano: Infuses the veggies with a warm, herby depth.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every element to perfection.
- Lean Ground Beef: The protein star—quick cooking and ultra-satisfying when spiced just right.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: The shortcut to bold, Tex-Mex flavor in minutes.
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat the beef and keeps things moist.
- Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crunchy, fresh base for your bowl.
- Steamed Rice: White or brown rice adds a hearty foundation and soaks up all the yummy juices.
- Black Beans: Creamy protein and fiber, plus authentic burrito flavor.
- Shredded White Cheddar Cheese: For melty goodness and a touch of tang.
- Corn Salsa: Sweet and juicy, it adds color and just the right pop of flavor.
- Tomato Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A juicy, fresh, and tangy layer that brightens every bite.
- Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: For creaminess and that signature burrito bowl finish!
- Sour Cream, Cilantro, Lime Wedges (optional): These final touches bring everything together with coolness, freshness, and zing.
Variations
The secret joy of a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is that it’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Feel free to riff on the core recipe—swap out ingredients, amp up the heat, or get creative with the toppings so every bowl feels completely personal!
- Make It Low-Carb: Ditch the rice and serve everything over extra lettuce for a burrito bowl packed with veggies.
- Change the Protein: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even sautéed tofu for a fresh twist.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a smoky chipotle crema for more heat.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Skip the cheese and sour cream, and use vegan toppings for a crowd-friendly meal.
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers & Onions
Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the sliced green bell pepper and red onion, sprinkling them with oregano, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Give everything a good stir and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want your veggies to be slightly softened but still holding a bit of that tender-crisp snap—they brighten up the whole Ground Beef Burrito Bowl!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Once you transfer the sautéed veggies to a bowl, use the same skillet for your ground beef. This means extra flavor (and fewer dishes)! Cook the beef until it’s browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with your spoon. Drain off any excess grease carefully—nobody wants a soggy burrito bowl!
Step 3: Season & Simmer
Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and stir to distribute those spices everywhere. Pour in the water and let everything simmer for a few minutes, or until the beef has soaked up most of the liquid. This step ensures your meat is juicy, flavorful, and just the right texture for topping your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the crisp romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with fluffy steamed rice, black beans, the just-cooked peppers and onions, and generous scoops of seasoned ground beef. Then let your inner artist shine as you pile on shredded cheese, corn salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, and any other toppings you (or your crew) adore. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a wedge of lime take the experience over the top!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Veggie Timing: Keep an eye on the peppers and onions—removing them while still crisp means they pop with color and freshness in every bite.
- Seasoning Boost: If you love extra flavor, try blooming the taco seasoning in a splash of oil before adding it to the beef—it unlocks the spices and makes the meat even more aromatic.
- Rice Shortcuts: Use microwaveable or leftover rice to make things extra speedy on busy nights.
- Topping Bar Trick: Serve all the toppings in little bowls and let everyone assemble their Ground Beef Burrito Bowl exactly how they like—guaranteed dinner table smiles!
How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t forget the finishing touches! Spoons of cool sour cream, a shower of fresh cilantro, and zesty squeezes of lime juice really make the flavors pop and give your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl vibrant appeal—plus it just looks extra inviting!
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, keep it simple: warm tortilla chips, a bowl of creamy queso dip, or a crunchy side salad always make fantastic partners. If you’re feeling festive, a chilled agua fresca or some zippy pickled jalapeños will spark up your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation game up a notch by serving these bowls in colorful ceramic dishes, layering ingredients in clear mason jars for meal prep, or creating a DIY burrito bowl “board” for gatherings—let everyone scoop, build, and customize their plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef, beans, veggies, and rice keep especially well, letting you whip up fresh Ground Beef Burrito Bowls for lunches or dinners all week long.
Freezing
The cooked ground beef freezes beautifully—just portion it into freezer bags, squeeze out extra air, and store for up to 2 months. To keep things tasting their best, freeze ingredients like rice and beans separately from any fresh veggies or dairy toppings.
Reheating
Reheat beef, rice, and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent dryness. Assemble your bowl with freshly chopped greens and cool toppings after reheating for that just-made freshness every time.
FAQs
-
Can I make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the beef, rice, and veggies in advance, store them separately, and assemble with your toppings just before eating. It’s perfect for weekly meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
-
What can I use instead of ground beef?
This recipe is easy to personalize—you can swap in ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to make a delicious burrito bowl suited to every preference.
-
How spicy is the Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily turn up the heat with spicy salsa, extra jalapeños, or chipotle sauce. It’s totally in your hands!
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your taco seasoning and any additional toppings are gluten-free, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free by default.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your weekly dinner routine—and treat yourself to a burst of bold, fresh flavor—this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is guaranteed to become a staple. Happy cooking, and don’t be surprised if your family asks for this colorful, customizable, and oh-so-comforting dish on repeat!
Print
Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make at home. Packed with flavorful ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Pinch of salt, plus more to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1/3 cup water
For the Bowl:
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 to 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups steamed rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Corn salsa
- Tomato salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook peppers and onions with oregano, salt, and pepper until tender-crisp. Set aside. Cook ground beef in the same skillet, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until absorbed.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide lettuce into 4 bowls. Add rice, beans, cooked peppers and onions, seasoned beef, cheese, salsas, guacamole, and optional toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
