Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

If there’s one recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like a colorful celebration, it’s the Ground Beef Burrito Bowl. Think of it as a deconstructed burrito, overflowing with hearty seasoned beef, crisp veggies, creamy toppings, and a rainbow of bold flavors—all nestled in a fresh bowl. This dish is equal parts comfort and freshness, making it a favorite whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week. Trust me, once you’ve assembled your first vibrant bowl, you’ll be craving this satisfying, customizable meal time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beautiful thing about a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something special. Each element adds its own pop of color, texture, or flavor, forming the ultimate easy dinner you’ll come back to often.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Use it to sauté your veggies for a gorgeous, slightly silky finish and a depth of flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Sliced bell pepper adds crunch and a gentle sweetness—plus a splash of green.
• Red onion: These bring mild, fragrant heat and lovely purple color once sautéed.
• Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle awakens the veggies with savory herbiness.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection; taste as you go!
• Lean ground beef: The star of our bowl—rich, hearty, and packed with protein.
• Taco seasoning mix: Convenient and flavorful, it brings smoky, spicy, and zesty notes to the beef.
• Water: Helps create that saucy, taco-seasoned beef we all love.
• Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, cool bed that balances out the warm rice and toppings.
• Steamed rice: Plump, fluffy grains soak up all the flavors—use white, brown, or whatever you love.
• Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they’re a creamy, fiber-filled addition that makes the bowl hearty.
• Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the warm beef and veggies for creamy indulgence.
• Corn salsa: Adds brightness, sweetness, and a little crunch to each bite.
• Tomato salsa or pico de gallo: Fresh, tangy, and full of juiciness for extra flavor and color.
• Guacamole or sliced avocado: Luscious, creamy, and just plain irresistible—don’t skip it if you can help it.
• Sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges (optional): Highly recommended for topping, they bring coolness, fragrant freshness, and bright acidity to finish it off.

How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Start by heating your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your sliced green bell pepper and red onion. Sprinkle over the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your veggies are just softened but still have a bit of crunch. Transfer them to a bowl—these veggies add so much color and flavor to your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In the same skillet (no need to wash it), add your lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy bowl. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour in the water, stirring thoroughly. Let it simmer for a minute or two, until most of the water has evaporated and every morsel is coated in that delicious, tangy-salty spice.

Step 3: Build Your Bowl

Take out four bowls and start layering: begin with a generous handful of chopped romaine lettuce at the base of each. Next comes a scoop of warm, fluffy rice, a big spoonful of black beans, and then the sautéed peppers and onions. Pile on that spiced ground beef, sprinkle over the shredded white cheddar, and then heap on the fun toppings—tomato salsa or pico de gallo, corn salsa, and that dreamy guacamole or avocado.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

If you’re like me, toppings are where the magic really happens. Dollop with tangy sour cream, scatter some fresh cilantro, and serve lime wedges on the side. This adds brightness and makes every bite of your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl sing. Take a big forkful and get a bit of everything in each bite—you’ll thank yourself.

How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Garnishes

This is where you can really have fun and make every bowl your own. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a drizzle of lime juice, a dash more cheese, or even some sliced jalapeños can add an extra punch. Don’t forget a few lime wedges on the side—one squeeze and all the flavors pop!

Side Dishes

While the Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a hearty meal all by itself, you can round it out with crispy tortilla chips, simple charred corn on the cob, or even a cup of light tortilla soup. If you want to go all in, whip up a little fresh fruit salad or a batch of spicy pickled onions for another zingy side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl ingredients “bar-style” so everyone can build their own. Or, turn leftovers into burrito wraps or stuffed bell peppers. You can even make mini “burrito cups” using small lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held appetizer version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store each component of your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl separately for best results. Keep cooked beef, veggies, rice, and beans in airtight containers in the fridge, and don’t mix with the fresh toppings until it’s time to serve. Everything stays fresher, and you’ll avoid soggy lettuce or mushy guac.

Freezing

The ground beef and sautéed veggies freeze beautifully. Place cooled portions into freezer-friendly containers, label, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge the night before you need them, but skip freezing fresh stuff like lettuce, salsa, or avocado.

Reheating

Reheat your beef, rice, beans, and vegetables in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and zap in 30-second intervals, stirring until hot. Add cold toppings like lettuce, salsa, and guacamole just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?

Any rice will work—white, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice if you’re aiming for low-carb. The key is to make sure it’s fluffy and not overly wet, so it can soak up the other delicious flavors without turning soggy.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute in your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl. Just make sure to season well, since leaner meats can be milder in flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of the Ground Beef Burrito Bowl, swap out the beef for a plant-based ground or try sautéed mushrooms and extra beans. All the seasonings and toppings stay exactly the same, so you won’t miss out on flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare these bowls?

The cooked beef, rice, and beans can be made up to three days ahead. Store them separately from fresh toppings and assemble your bowl right before eating. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.

What can I do if I like my food spicy?

If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño to the sautéed veggies, mix a few dashes of hot sauce into your ground beef, or serve with plenty of spicy salsa. Pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also bring your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl up a notch!

Final Thoughts

The Ground Beef Burrito Bowl isn’t just a recipe—it’s a fun, colorful way to gather around the table and enjoy bold flavors with a fresh twist. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself to a flavor-packed dinner, give these bowls a try and see how quickly they become a staple in your kitchen!

Print