Name: Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice), hot and fluffy; 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef, juicy and saucy; 1/4 cup black beans, canned, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup corn, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed); 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, freshly grated for best melt; 2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving (optional); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp); 1/2 cup water

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Introduction

This quick and hearty ground beef burrito bowl is a flavorful meal that comes together in minutes. Packed with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week.

A white bowl filled with four visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked rice mixed with black beans, the second layer is golden yellow corn and browned ground beef scattered evenly, the third layer is shredded bright orange cheddar cheese spread over the top, and the final layer in the center is a small mound of fresh red salsa with chunks of tomatoes and onions, topped with chopped green herbs. The bowl is held by a woman's hand resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp)
1/2 cup water
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook your rice according to package directions, using 1 cup rice per bowl. Keep it hot and fluffy. For extra flavor, rinse white rice until the water runs clear, then add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt after cooking.
Step 2: 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 excess fat.
Step 3: Return the skillet to heat and sprinkle in the taco seasoning with 1/2 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is saucy and glossy. If it looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Step 4: Prepare the toppings by rinsing and draining black beans, draining or thawing corn, and chopping fresh cilantro. For best results, warm the beans and corn briefly in the microwave (30–60 seconds) so they don’t cool the bowl.
Step 5: Assemble each burrito bowl by spooning hot rice into the base. Add 1/2 cup of the seasoned ground beef, then arrange 1/4 cup black beans and 1/4 cup corn in separate sections.
Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the warm ingredients to allow it to melt. Finish with 2 tablespoons of salsa or pico de gallo and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, make cilantro-lime rice by stirring chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice into your cooked rice.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Add diced avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you like a little heat.
Microwaving the beans and corn briefly prevents cooling the bowl and keeps flavors melded.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and rice thoroughly before assembling your burrito bowl again. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet until hot. Add fresh toppings and cheese after reheating for best texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered dish showing white rice as the bottom layer, topped with a mix of cooked ground meat, black beans, and yellow corn kernels spread evenly. On top of this, there is a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese, and in the center, a dollop of bright red salsa with small pieces of tomato and diced onions, garnished with chopped green cilantro. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a beige cloth, and a woman's hand is slightly visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with seasoned beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the rice and taco-seasoned beef a day ahead and store them separately. Assemble bowls just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and the cheese melty.