Name: Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice) per bowl, hot and fluffy; 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef per bowl, juicy and saucy; 1/4 cup black beans (canned, rinsed & drained) per bowl; 1/4 cup corn (canned drained or frozen thawed) per bowl; 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded per bowl (freshly grated for best melt); 2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl; lime wedges for serving; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or approximately 2 tbsp); 1/2 cup water

Introduction

This Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a perfect weeknight meal that combines seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings for a satisfying and flavorful dish. It’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste, making it a family favorite.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with a base of cooked rice mixed with black beans, followed by evenly spread cooked ground beef and scattered bright yellow corn kernels. On top, there is a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese in orange, and at the center sits a heap of chunky red salsa with visible pieces of tomato and corn, garnished with a sprinkling of chopped fresh green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, showing a small part of a beige cloth at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice) per bowl, hot and fluffy
1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef per bowl, juicy and saucy
1/4 cup black beans (canned, rinsed & drained) per bowl
1/4 cup corn (canned drained or frozen thawed) per bowl
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded per bowl (freshly grated for best melt)
2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp)
1/2 cup water
lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook 1 cup of rice per bowl according to package directions using a stovetop or rice cooker. Keep the rice hot and fluffy. For extra flavor, rinse white rice until water runs clear and add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt after cooking.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
Step 3: Return the beef to the skillet, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is saucy and glossy. If it looks dry, add an extra 1-2 tbsp of water.
Step 4: Prepare the toppings by rinsing and draining black beans, and draining or thawing corn. Chop fresh cilantro. For best results, warm the beans and corn for 30–60 seconds in the microwave to avoid cooling down the bowl.
Step 5: Assemble each burrito bowl by spooning hot rice into the base. Add 1/2 cup of the seasoned beef, then arrange 1/4 cup each of black beans and corn in neat sections.
Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm ingredients so it melts slightly. Top with 2 tbsp of salsa or pico de gallo and 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro.
Step 7: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl, adding a fresh and tangy finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Try adding diced avocado or sour cream as creamy toppings.
Use black or brown rice for a nuttier taste and added nutrition.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
If you like heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings like salsa and cheese separate to preserve freshness. Reheat the beef and rice gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

How to Serve

A bowl with four visible layers of food is shown on a white marbled surface next to a soft, beige cloth. The bottom layer consists of white rice mixed with black beans and small pieces of vegetables. On top of that, there is a layer of cooked ground meat with corn kernels scattered throughout. Above the meat is a layer of shredded yellow cheddar cheese. The top layer is a colorful mix of chunky salsa with diced tomatoes and onions, garnished with fresh chopped green cilantro. The bowl is white with small speckles, and a woman's hand is touching the edge of the cloth next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this burrito bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and seasoned beef in advance and store them separately. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the toppings fresh.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check package labels to be sure.

Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 91 reviews

A quick and hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl featuring flavorful taco-seasoned beef, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and fresh salsa – all assembled for a satisfying and customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice) per bowl, hot and fluffy
1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef per bowl, juicy and saucy
1/4 cup black beans (canned, rinsed & drained) per bowl
1/4 cup corn (canned drained or frozen thawed) per bowl
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded per bowl (freshly grated for best melt)
2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl
lime wedges for serving

Seasoning Mix

1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or approximately 2 tbsp)
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Cook Your Rice: Cook 1 cup of rice per bowl according to package instructions, either on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Keep the rice hot and fluffy. For extra flavor, rinse white rice until the water runs clear, then after cooking, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt.
Brown & Season the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Return the skillet to heat and sprinkle in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Stir and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef mixture is saucy and glossy. If the mixture appears dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
Prep the Toppings: Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn. Chop fresh cilantro. To keep the bowl warm, briefly warm the beans and corn in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds before serving.
Assemble the Burrito Bowl: Spoon hot rice into each serving bowl. Neatly add 1/2 cup of seasoned beef, 1/4 cup black beans, and 1/4 cup corn in sections. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top to allow it to melt slightly. Finish by adding 2 tablespoons of salsa or pico de gallo and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Optionally, garnish with a lime wedge for squeezing over the bowl.

Notes

For a healthier option, consider using brown rice or cilantro-lime rice.
Rinsing the white rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
If you prefer spicier bowls, choose a hot taco seasoning or add jalapeños.
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties due to less anti-caking agents.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground beef burrito bowl, taco seasoned beef, quick burrito bowl, easy Mexican bowl, beef and rice bowl