This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is everything you crave in a burrito—zesty, savory beef, vibrant veggies, and plenty of toppings—no tortilla required! It’s a fast, midweek favorite brimming with southwest flavors and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for meal preppers and family dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight-Ready: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this bowl brings fresh, homemade flavor to even the busiest days.
- Customizable for All Tastes: From plant-based swaps to spicy toppings, you can make your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl just the way you love.
- Meal Prep Superstar: Prep the components ahead and assemble when you’re hungry, saving time all week long.
- Hearty & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies, it’s as nourishing as it is crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a great Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is all in its simple, vibrant ingredients—think tender beef, crisp veggies, hearty beans, and colorful toppings. Each one adds a layer of flavor, freshness, or comfort that makes every bite genuinely satisfying and exciting!
- Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the veggies, lending rich flavor and just the right amount of sheen.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a mild, fresh crunch and a pop of color to every bowl.
- Red onion: Brings sweet sharpness and gorgeous purple color—slice thin for golden, tender strips.
- Dried oregano: This earthy herb gives the sautéed vegetables classic Southwest aroma.
- Salt & ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning layers of flavor in the peppers, onions, and beef.
- Lean ground beef: The heart of the bowl—choose 90% lean or better for full flavor without excess grease.
- Taco seasoning mix: A blend of chili, paprika, cumin, and garlic—either store-bought or homemade.
- Water: Helps the seasoning permeate the beef, making it tender and juicy.
- Chopped romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this forms the bed of your bowl, balancing the warm toppings.
- Steamed rice: The fluffy foundation—white, brown, or any favorite variety works beautifully here.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they provide protein, fiber, and a creamy contrast.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts slightly on the warm beef and brings a sharp, creamy finish.
- Corn salsa: Adds sweetness, juicy crunch, and color—use homemade or a good store-bought version.
- Tomato salsa or pico de gallo: For freshness and a tangy, zippy bite in every forkful.
- Guacamole or sliced avocado: The creamy “cherry on top”—don’t skip this if you love classic burrito flavors!
- Sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges (optional): For garnishing and adding custom brightness or richness as you wish.
Variations
One of the best parts about a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is just how easy it is to mix, match, and swap with what you have on hand—or to suit any dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors, proteins, and toppings to make it truly yours!
- Go Plant-Based: Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or spiced black beans for a fully vegetarian (or vegan) bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat lovers.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for fewer carbs, but plenty of crunch.
- Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cotija cheese for a fun twist on the classic flavor profile.
- Different Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, or a wild rice blend all create a delicious base with unique textures.
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced bell pepper and red onion, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes. The goal is to soften the veggies while keeping a little bite for texture—transfer them to a bowl when they’re tender-crisp and beautifully fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet (no need to wash it—hello, extra flavor!), add your ground beef. Let it brown nicely, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until there’s no pink left. Drain off any extra grease to keep things light and luscious.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Beef
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour in the water. Mix well, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn down the heat and let it simmer gently until most of the water is absorbed—this lets the beef soak up all those irresistible spices and juices. Remove from heat and get ready to assemble!
Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowls
Grab four big serving bowls and build your foundation with crisp romaine. Top each with a hearty scoop of rice, black beans, the sautéed veggie mix, seasoned ground beef, and a generous sprinkle of shredded white cheddar. Pile on corn salsa, tomato salsa or pico de gallo, and creamy avocado or guacamole. Don’t forget the sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges—then dig in and enjoy every vibrant, fresh bite!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Veggie Texture Matters: Don’t overcook the peppers and onions—keeping them a touch crisp makes every bite more exciting and holds up better for leftovers.
- Lean Beef, Big Flavor: Using lean ground beef ensures your bowl stays light without sacrificing that rich, meaty taste—just don’t forget to drain excess fat for the best texture.
- Sauce It Up: If you love saucy burrito bowls, add a splash more water when simmering the beef and let it create a bit of extra “taco gravy.”
- Make It Meal Prep Friendly: Store the components separately in airtight containers, and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of bright lime over your bowl just before serving for that fresh-off-the-line taste. A dollop of sour cream or extra guacamole brings rich creaminess, while sliced jalapeños or hot sauce are perfect if you crave a little heat!
Side Dishes
These Ground Beef Burrito Bowls pair beautifully with simple sides like crisp tortilla chips (for scooping up every last bite!), roasted corn or elote, or even a refreshing strawberry agua fresca. For heartier appetites, consider a side of Mexican street corn salad or warm, cheesy quesadillas.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the ingredients in tall glass jars for a vibrant lunch-to-go, or arrange “build your own” stations for family gatherings and let everyone assemble their ideal Ground Beef Burrito Bowl. For a fun twist, serve in lettuce wraps or even inside mini bell peppers for bite-sized party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover components (like rice, beef, and sautéed veggies) in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, your salad greens and fresh toppings stay crisp and ready when you’re hungry.
Freezing
The seasoned beef freezes wonderfully! Cool it completely, portion into freezer bags or small containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling your next bowl. Avoid freezing lettuce, salsa, or dairy-based toppings for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the beef, rice, and veggies in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. To keep things fresh, assemble with new lettuce and cool toppings after reheating. Add a little water if the beef looks dry—it’ll perk right back up!
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Simply swap in ground turkey or chicken and follow the same cooking and seasoning process. Both are lean, quick-cooking, and delicious alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe.
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How do I make this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl gluten-free?
It’s easy—just make sure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free, and serve over rice (not a wheat-based grain). Most of the toppings are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone.
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What kind of rice works best for a burrito bowl?
Classic white rice is always a hit, but feel free to use brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome spin. The key is using something fluffy that soaks up flavors and doesn’t clump.
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Can I prep Ground Beef Burrito Bowl ingredients in advance?
Definitely! Cook the beef, rice, and veggies a few days ahead, and store them separately. Assemble with fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that never gets boring, give this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl a try! It’s easy, fun to customize, and sure to be on repeat in your dinner lineup. Grab your favorite toppings and dig in—you’re going to love every bite!
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 is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef with flavorful toppings like rice, beans, cheese, and fresh salsas. It’s a perfect dish for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
For the cooked peppers and onions:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Pinch of salt, plus more to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For the seasoned ground beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1/3 cup water
For assembling the bowls:
- 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
- Cook the peppers and onions: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions, season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until slightly softened. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until water is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide lettuce between 4 bowls. Add rice, beans, cooked peppers and onions, seasoned ground beef, cheese, salsas, and avocado. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
