On the hunt for a weeknight meal that checks all the boxes? Answer: this ground beef burrito bowl recipe. Nothing fancy, nothing difficult — just simple, straightforward flavors that converge in one bowl.
What is a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?
A burrito bowl is essentially your favorite burrito fillings, served in a bowl instead of wrapped in a tortilla. Think of it as Mexican food deconstructed and way easier to eat and make your own. You have well seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, fresh toppings and whatever else you want to pile on.
The best part? Each of us can build our own bowl, just the way we want it. Or do the kids just want meat and cheese? Done. Adults want all the veggies? Perfect.
What is in this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe?
For the seasoned ground beef:
Ingredients 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
1 packet taco seasoning (or use your own)
1/2 cup water
1 small onion diced
For the mexican rice bowl:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/4 cup salsa mixed in
Lime juice squeeze
Toppings & sides:
1 (5.4 oz) can black beans drained & rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
Cheeses, shredded (either cheddar or mexican blend)
Lettuce chopped
Tomatoes diced
Avocado sliced
Sour cream
Salsa
Hot sauce
Recipe Details How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Cook the rice
Get your rice going first because it takes the longest. Continue following package directions, but add a splash of salsa to the water for more flavor. When ready, squeeze some lime juice over the top.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium high heat. Throw in the diced onion and saute for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in ground beef and crumble with a spoon. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.
Drain any fat and stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer, 5 min or until sauce thickens.
Step 3 Prepare toppings
While beef is cooking, chop lettuce, dice tomatoes and halve avocado. If you’d like the black beans to be warm, heat up in microwave.
Step 4 Build your bowls
Begin with rice as the base, followed by seasoned ground beef, then load up with whatever toppings appeal to you.
What Seasoning is Good for Ground Beef for Burrito Bowl
The simplest solution is a packet of taco seasoning – it’s cumin, chili powder, paprika and garlic all combined and ready to go. But for an in-house seasoning blend, combine:
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Just mix, and you can use it as you do the packet.
Texture Of The Burrito Bowl Recipe Variations
Change up the protein: Ground turkey, ground chicken or even beans (for a vegetarian version) would work here. If you’re looking for more protein variety, try our Turkey Burrito Bowls for a leaner option.
Switch up the rice:Substitute cilantro lime rice, spanish rice, or cauliflower rice for low carb
Turn up the heat: Jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra hot sauce
Make it fresh: Swap regular salsa for pico de gallo
What is in a Beef Burrito Bowl
That’s the beauty of burrito bowls — you can make them your own. Common ingredients include:
Base: Rice,quinoa, or lettuce
Protein: Seasoned ground beef
Beans: use black beans, pinto beans or refried beans
Veg: Corn, tomatoes, lettuce, onions
Creamy things: Sour cream, guacamole, cheese
Flavor bombs: Salsa, hot sauce, lime
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Don’t forget that lime — a squeeze of bright lime juice makes everything taste better
Warm your beans Cold beans out of the can just arent that good. Nuke them in the microwave for half a minute
Uh dude, have them make their own – Set everything out buffet style and everyone gets what they want
Make more beef – Seasoned left over ground beef is great for tacos or quesadillas or nachos later in the week
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe for Burrito Bowl is my favorite for meal prep ahead of time. Cook a large amount of seasoned ground beef and rice on Sunday and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.
Keep separate parts in the refrigerator:
Cooked ground beef: 3-4 days
Rice: 4-5 days
Cut veggies: 2-3 days
At serving time, reheat beef and rice and garnish with fresh toppings.
For more healthy meal prep ideas, check out our Chicken and Broccoli recipe, which is perfect for weekly meal planning.
Ground Beef Burrito Bowls FAQ’s
What is in a ground beef burrito?
In addition to cooked ground beef, ingredients for a burrito generally, but not always, include rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. In bowl containing, you’re still getting all the same flavors.
What is in a burrito bowl?
The burrito bowl is made with the very same ingredients that make a burrito – but instead of being rolled, the ingredients are served in a bowl. The base is rice, and then there’s room for protein, beans, vegetables and toppings to be layered on top.
What do you put in a burrito bowl at home?
Begin with rice, then pile on your protein (I used seasoned ground beef here), and top with beans, corn, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream and salsa. Or whatever sounds good to you.
Why This Recipe for Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Works
We’re checking all the boxes with this recipe – it’s fast, versatile, and we’ll bet you have at least a few of the ingredients already on hand! The seasoned ground beef is flavorful, the rice works well as the base, and then there’s all the fresh toppings to add perk and crunch.
And, you can prep some of the components in advance, which always helps with the rush of a weekday night. Heat and assemble when you are ready to eat.
Try this ground beef burrito bowl next time you need dinner quick. Your whole family will go crazy for creating their dream bowl. For even more bowl inspiration, try our Greek Chicken Bowls for a Mediterranean twist on the bowl concept.
Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
This burrito bowl recipe is healthy, quick, and delicious – all in one! It features seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and customizable toppings for a perfect weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix below)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion, diced
For the Mexican Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Lime juice (to taste)
Toppings & Sides:
- 1 (5.4 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Lettuce, chopped
- Tomatoes, diced
- Avocado, sliced
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
Cook rice according to package directions. Stir in salsa and a squeeze of lime juice once cooked. - Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. - Prepare the Toppings:
While beef is cooking, chop vegetables and prepare toppings. Heat beans if preferred. - Assemble the Bowls:
Layer rice at the bottom, then add beef and toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Meal Prep: Store rice, beef, and toppings separately. Reheat and assemble fresh throughout the week.
- Variations: Substitute beef with turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian version. Use cauliflower rice for low carb.
- Make it a Buffet: Let everyone build their own bowl with a variety of toppings!
Nutrition Information
Amount Per ServingCalories 550Total Fat 28gCholesterol 70mgSodium 680mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 7gSugar 4gProtein 26g
