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Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea to Try

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A quick and easy ground beef burrito bowl that balances comfort and nutrition, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful and filling dish combines seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and zesty toppings for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (or cherry tomatoes halved)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice (if not using pre-cooked): Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice). Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  3. Cook ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to skillet. Break into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season the beef: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over beef. Stir well to coat evenly. Let spices toast with meat for 2 minutes to bring out aroma.
  5. Add beans and corn: Stir in rinsed black beans and corn kernels. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble the bowl: Divide cooked rice evenly between serving bowls. Top with seasoned ground beef mixture.
  7. Add fresh toppings: Scatter diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro over each bowl. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle shredded cheese if using.
  8. Finish with lime: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.

Notes

Let the beef brown undisturbed initially to develop a caramelized crust for better flavor. Toast spices with the beef to deepen flavor. Fluff rice gently with a fork if sticky. Drain excess fat if beef is fatty. Use pre-cooked rice or canned beans to save time. For dairy-free, skip sour cream and cheese or use dairy-free yogurt.

Nutrition

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