These Beef Burrito Bowls are a hearty, flavorful meal inspired by classic burritos but served in a convenient bowl. They combine seasoned beef, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and fresh toppings into a balanced dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, satisfying flavors from well-seasoned beef
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights
A complete meal with protein, grains, and vegetables
Family-friendly and great for serving a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the beef:

500 g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
60 ml water

For the rice:

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the bowl toppings:

1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice

Directions

Cook the rice by bringing the water and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with spices.
Add the tomato paste and water, mix thoroughly, and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Warm the black beans and corn in a small saucepan or microwave.
Assemble the bowls by dividing the rice among serving bowls, topping with seasoned beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado.
Finish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and a drizzle of lemon or lime juice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice
Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra vegetables
Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans
Make it spicy by adding chopped green chili or extra chili powder
Turn it into a low-carb bowl by skipping rice and adding more lettuce

Storage/Reheating

Store the beef and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep fresh toppings like lettuce and avocado separate. Reheat the beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, then add fresh toppings before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Burrito Bowls ahead of time?

Yes, they are great for meal prep. Prepare the beef and rice in advance and store them separately.

What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef is ideal as it provides flavor without excess grease.

Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Yes, the cooked seasoned beef can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder.

Can I use leftover rice?

Absolutely. Leftover rice works well and saves time.

What can I use instead of yogurt or sour cream?

You can use a dairy-free alternative or simply skip it if preferred.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Add it just before serving and drizzle lightly with lemon or lime juice.

Are Beef Burrito Bowls healthy?

They can be very balanced, especially when loaded with vegetables and lean protein.

Can I serve this to kids?

Yes, simply reduce the spices for a more mild flavor.

What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs well with a simple salad, flatbread, or grilled vegetables.

Conclusion

Beef Burrito Bowls are a versatile and satisfying meal that brings together comforting ingredients in a fresh, customizable way. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Beef Burrito Bowls