Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowls

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a burrito bowl. It has all the bold, vibrant flavors of a burrito but without the mess of a tortilla. This Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowl is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

This recipe was born out of a love for Mexican-inspired flavors and the need for a quick, one-bowl meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a variety of fresh toppings, making it a dish that’s both filling and customizable.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something flavorful yet simple, this burrito bowl will become your go-to recipe. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh toppings, it’s a meal that satisfies while keeping things healthy and easy.

Why I Love This Recipe

this …

A Bowl Full of Flavor and Convenience

If you love burritos but don’t always have tortillas on hand, this recipe is for you. It delivers all the flavors of a classic burrito—seasoned beef, rice, beans, and fresh toppings—but in a bowl. The best part? It’s fully customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs, or make it as spicy (or mild) as you like.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, as the ingredients store well and can be reheated easily.

The combination of juicy, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and crunchy, fresh toppings makes every bite irresistible. Add a drizzle of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and you have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients for Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowls

What You’ll Need to Build the Perfect Burrito Bowl

The magic of this dish lies in the layers of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Ground Beef:

• Ground beef (85/15 or leaner) – Juicy, flavorful, and the heart of the dish.
• Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and enhance its flavor.
• Onion (finely chopped) – Adds depth and sweetness.
• Garlic (minced) – Essential for that bold, savory taste.
• Tomato paste – Adds a rich, umami flavor.
• Beef broth – Keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper – The perfect blend for a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy taste.

For the Rice:

• White or brown rice – Acts as the base, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – Adds extra flavor to the rice.
• Lime juice – Gives it a fresh, zesty kick.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped) – Essential for that classic Mexican-style rice taste.

Toppings (Customizable):

• Black beans or pinto beans – Adds protein and texture.
• Corn (fresh or canned) – Brings a hint of sweetness.
• Cherry tomatoes (diced) – Adds freshness.
• Shredded lettuce – For a crisp bite.
• Avocado or guacamole – Creamy and delicious.
• Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Salsa or pico de gallo – Brings everything together with a bright, tangy flavor.
• Jalapeños (optional) – For those who love a little heat.

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowl is a 30-minute meal:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This makes it perfect for weeknights or meal prep!

How to Make This Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowl

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes (or according to the package instructions).
4. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
5. Drain excess fat, if necessary, then add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in beef broth and let everything simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Burrito Bowls

1. Start with a layer of rice at the bottom of the bowl.
2. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the rice.
3. Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream as desired.
4. Finish with a drizzle of salsa or pico de gallo.

Substitutions

Need to Make Some Swaps? No Problem!

• For a healthier option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• For a low-carb version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
• For a vegetarian option: Use crumbled tofu or lentils in place of ground beef.
• For dairy-free: Skip the cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowls

A good side dish can make this meal even better! Here are three great options:

1. Homemade Tortilla Chips & Guacamole – Crunchy chips with creamy guac add texture and flavor.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Sweet, smoky, and cheesy corn pairs perfectly with the burrito bowl.
3. Black Bean Soup – A warm and comforting side to round out the meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Make Your Burrito Bowl Look As Good As It Tastes

A delicious meal deserves an equally beautiful presentation. A well-assembled burrito bowl not only looks appetizing but also enhances the dining experience.

• Use a wide, shallow bowl – This allows all the toppings to be spread out instead of stacked, making each bite full of flavor.
• Layer strategically – Start with a base of rice, then add the seasoned beef on top. Arrange toppings in separate sections rather than mixing them right away. This keeps the presentation vibrant and makes the bowl feel more gourmet.
• Garnish for color and texture – Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco can elevate the look of your dish while adding extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce – Let everyone customize their bowl by drizzling on their favorite sauce.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Elevate Your Burrito Bowl with These Pro Tips

Want to take your Ground Beef & Rice Burrito Bowl to the next level? Here are some expert tips:

• Toast the spices – Before adding them to the beef, warm the spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds. This enhances their depth of flavor.
• Use fresh lime juice – Bottled lime juice lacks the fresh, citrusy punch that freshly squeezed limes provide.
• Let the beef simmer – After adding the seasonings and broth, allow the beef to simmer for at least 5 minutes. This helps develop a deeper, richer flavor.
• Rinse the rice – Washing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains.
• Make it spicy – If you love heat, add chipotle powder, extra jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Pitfalls for a Perfect Burrito Bowl

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the rice – If the rice is mushy, it can make the bowl less enjoyable. Follow the package instructions and don’t add too much water.
• Skipping the seasoning – The beef should be well-seasoned to balance the rice and toppings. Bland beef will make the whole dish taste flat.
• Using low-quality ground beef – Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef. Too much fat can make the dish greasy, while extra-lean beef may dry out.
• Not draining the beef – If there’s too much grease in the skillet, it can make the bowl oily and heavy. Drain excess fat for the best texture.
• Overloading with toppings – While variety is great, too many toppings can make the flavors overwhelming and unbalanced. Stick to 4-5 complementary ingredients.

How to Store It

Keep Your Burrito Bowl Fresh

This dish is great for meal prep, and storing it correctly ensures it tastes just as good the next day.

• Store ingredients separately – Keep the beef, rice, and toppings in individual containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate properly – The cooked beef and rice should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat carefully – Warm the beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
• Freeze the beef for later – The cooked ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Answers to Common Questions

1. Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just add a bit of extra seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

2. What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the beef for black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture.

3. How do I make the rice more flavorful?
Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water, and mix in lime juice and fresh cilantro after cooking.

4. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Store the beef and rice in portioned containers and add fresh toppings right before eating.

5. How can I make this recipe low-carb?
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a burrito-style salad.

Print