Beef Burrito Bowls Rice Beans

My Tuesday nights used to be chaotic until I discovered the beauty of burrito bowls. I was rushing between work and evening plans when I threw everything into bowls instead of wrestling with tortillas. The famished look on my roommate face when she walked in on that smell convinced me this was the way forward.

Last summer my sister visited and we made these bowls together while catching up on months of stories. She kept stealing extra cheese when I wasnt looking but I pretended not to notice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef: The foundation that soaks up all those spices
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps those onions soften perfectly
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweet aromatic base for the beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here
• 1 tbsp chili powder: Deep earthy heat without overwhelming spice
• 1 tsp ground cumin: That classic Mexican flavor you cant skip
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Balances the spices beautifully
• ½ tsp salt: Brings everything together
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Just enough kick
• ¼ cup tomato sauce: Binds the spices into the beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: Fluffy base that holds everything up
• 2 cups water or chicken broth: Broth adds extra flavor
• ¼ tsp salt for rice: Essential for properly seasoned grains
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: Protein and texture contrast
• ½ tsp ground cumin for beans: Wakes up canned beans
• ½ tsp chili powder for beans: Matches the beef seasoning
• Salt and pepper for beans: Adjust to your taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Fresh pop against the rich beef
• 1 cup shredded lettuce: Cool crisp element
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty goodness everyone loves
• 1 avocado, diced: Creamy buttery bites
• ¼ cup sour cream: Cool contrast to seasoned beef
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Bright herbal finish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges: Acid that brightens every bite

Instructions

Start the rice first:

Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer gently for 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

Cook the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent, then add garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned, then drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the spices:

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

Warm the beans:

Combine drained black beans with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.

Build your bowls:

Divide fluffy rice among four bowls, then arrange seasoned beef, warm beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and sour cream on top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Pin it

These bowls became my go-to for feeding a crowd after my potluck disaster. I spent hours rolling individual burritos that fell apart, while my friend casually mentioned bowls would have been easier. Lesson learned.

Make It Your Own

Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you want something lighter. Brown rice or cauliflower rice add whole grain benefits and extra nutrients.

Extra Flavor Boosters

Sliced jalapeños bring the heat while pickled red onions add tangy crunch. A drizzle of hot sauce never hurt anyone either.

Dairy Free Swaps

Plant based sour cream and dairy free cheese have gotten so good no one notices the difference. Cashew cream works surprisingly well too.

• Keep toppings separate until serving so nothing gets soggy
• Warm your bowls in the oven for restaurant style presentation
• Extra cilantro stems can go into the beef while it simmers

Pin it

Theres something deeply satisfying about a meal that lets everyone build exactly what they crave. These bowls have saved countless weeknights in my kitchen.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives and adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free ingredients and avoid any broths or canned items containing gluten.

→ What cooking method is best for the rice?

Simmering rice with water or low-sodium broth until tender ensures fluffy, flavorful grains.

→ Can I prepare the black beans from scratch?

Yes, soaking and cooking dried black beans is possible but requires additional time; canned beans offer convenience.

→ What are some suitable toppings to customize these bowls?

Options include sliced jalapeños, pickled red onions, extra cheese, or plant-based sour cream alternatives for different tastes.