Name: Ground Beef Burrito Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon lime zest; ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice; ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon oregano; ½ lime (juiced); 1 tablespoon avocado oil; black beans (drained and heated); ½ cup tomatoes (diced); white queso; 1 cup green lettuce (sliced); ½ cup roasted corn salsa; ½ cup sour cream; diced avocado or homemade guacamole; fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 26 reviews

Skip the takeout line and whip up these Ground Beef Burrito Bowls at home for a meal that’s hearty, colorful, and absolutely brimming with zesty flavors. From the citrus-kissed rice to the spicy, savory beef and the mountain of fresh toppings, every bite delivers a party of textures and tastes in one irresistible bowl. Whether you’re meal-prepping ahead or feeding a crowd on a busy weeknight, you’ll love how easy and customizable these bowls are. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again!

Ground Beef Burrito Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these bowls lies in their balance of simplicity and bold flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building layers of seasoning or adding pops of color and crunch. Don’t skip the homemade touches—those make all the difference!

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 or 85/15 for juicy, flavorful meat that won’t dry out.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the beef’s richness with a sweet, tangy kick.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten up the beef seasoning.
Chipotle chili powder: Brings smoky, gentle heat; adjust to taste!
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s a must-have for classic burrito flavor.
Garlic powder: Boosts the savory punches without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Used in both the rice and beef, this simple seasoning enhances all the flavors.
Oregano: Lends a subtle herbal note to the beef mixture.
Half a lime (juiced): A squeeze at the end ties the beef together with a zingy finish.
Avocado oil: Perfect for sautéing rice, but feel free to use olive oil if needed.
Long grain white rice: Fluffy and neutral, it soaks up all those vibrant flavors.
Chicken broth (low sodium): Infuses the rice with savory complexity.
Lime zest: Adds bright citrus aroma to the rice.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Builds freshness and color into the rice and as a topping.
Black beans (drained and heated): Creamy and protein-packed, black beans are essential for burrito bowls.
Tomatoes (diced): Juicy bursts of sweetness; use romas or cherry tomatoes for best results.
White queso: Rich, melty, and ultra creamy—don’t hold back!
Green lettuce (sliced): Crunchy layers that add much-needed freshness.
Roasted corn salsa: Smoky-sweet corn brightens up each forkful and adds a little extra flair.
Sour cream: For a cooling, tangy swirl that balances out the spice.
Diced avocado or homemade guacamole: Creamy goodness that’s downright non-negotiable.
Fresh cilantro: Don’t forget a final sprinkle for garnish and even more lift!

How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by warming up your skillet or medium-sized pot—you want something with a lid. Pour in the avocado oil, then toss in the long grain white rice. Stir until every grain is cozy and coated, and let them toast gently until you notice the rice going from opaque to a bit more pearly and bright. This extra step brings out the rice’s nutty aroma and ensures each bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and a bit of salt, then stir to combine everything. Bring the liquid to a low simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 minutes! No peeking—that’s the secret to perfectly fluffy rice every time.

Step 3: Rest and Fluff

After the rice is done simmering, remove it from the heat but keep that lid on. Give it another 10 minutes to rest. This may feel like a test of patience, but it’s what gives your rice grains the chance to finish cooking through and firm up. To finish, lift the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the fresh lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and wonderful color.

Step 4: Prepare the Beef

While your rice is resting, grab your favorite medium-sized skillet. Place it over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, encouraging browning on all sides. Once it’s no longer pink, carefully drain away any excess grease, then return the skillet to low heat. This helps prevent the beef from turning greasy while giving it a great sear.

Step 5: Season the Beef

Stir the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and oregano into the beef. Let it all cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and meld into the meat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the beef right at the end. The mixture should be bold, juicy, and deliciously seasoned.

Step 6: Assemble Your Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Grab big bowls and layer first with a bed of flavorful cilantro-lime rice. Spoon the savory ground beef mixture on top, then add a hearty scoop of black beans. Top it all off with any (or all!) of your favorite garnishes: diced tomatoes, white queso, crisp lettuce, roasted corn salsa, creamy avocado or guacamole, a generous spoonful of sour cream, and a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Garnishes

Garnishing is where these bowls truly shine. Don’t be shy—pile on chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of more lime for extra zing. The more color and texture the merrier, so mix and match to make each bowl uniquely yours.

Side Dishes

These robust Ground Beef Burrito Bowls are a meal unto themselves, but they pair beautifully with tortilla chips and salsa, a simple mixed greens salad, or sautéed veggies. For a comforting touch, serve with warm flour tortillas or some classic Mexican street corn on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, turn this into a build-your-own bowl bar! Line up all the toppings and let everyone scoop, sprinkle, and drizzle to their heart’s content. For lunchboxes, layer ingredients in individual containers, separating the hot and cold toppings until ready to eat. Or, try serving toppings deconstructed on a platter for a fresh spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Ground Beef Burrito Bowls components, store each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice and beef can be kept for up to 4 days. Keeping things separate prevents sogginess and lets you reheat only the portions you need.

Freezing

The seasoned ground beef freezes wonderfully. Let the cooked meat cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. Rice can also be frozen, though its texture is best when freshly cooked.

Reheating

Reheat beef and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Only add the fresh toppings after reheating for the best taste and texture. Leftover beans, corn, and queso can be reheated as well; avocado and lettuce are best served fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with brown rice or cauliflower rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice brings a chewier texture and extra fiber, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly. Cauliflower rice is perfect for a lighter, low-carb option and cooks up in just a few minutes.

Are Ground Beef Burrito Bowls spicy?

These bowls have gentle smokiness thanks to the chipotle chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat up or down. For a milder bowl, use less chili powder, or add sliced jalapeños if you want to kick things up a notch.

What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?

Prepare the rice and beef in advance and portion them into meal containers. Store all cold toppings—like lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole—separately in small containers. Just reheat the rice and beef and top with everything fresh before eating!

Could I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even crumbled tofu or plant-based meat for a delicious alternative. Adjust spices as needed, but keep the bold seasoning blend for maximum flavor.

Do I need to use white queso, or can I swap it out?

White queso is creamy and classic, but you can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a dollop of queso fresco. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite cheese, or leave it out for a lighter bowl.

Final Thoughts

Give these Ground Beef Burrito Bowls a try the next time you’re craving something satisfying, fresh, and totally customizable. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Enjoy every delicious layer—you deserve it!