– **Title**: Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked brown rice or white rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp taco seasoning (or to taste)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, layer the cooked rice as the base.
5. Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef, followed by the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded cheese.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, along with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
7. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: It’s the base for this bowl. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try brown rice or quinoa. Both add a nutty flavor and more nutrients!
Ground Beef: You can switch this out for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal. If you want a plant-based option, try using lentils or black bean crumbles.
Taco Seasoning: If you want to make your own, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s easy and customizable! You can also find low-sodium varieties in stores.
Black Beans: Don’t have black beans? Kidney beans or pinto beans work too! They both bring a hearty texture and flavor to the bowl.
Corn: Canned or frozen corn are both great. For a different twist, use diced bell peppers or sautéed zucchini if corn isn’t your favorite.
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly?
Cooking rice might seem simple, but getting it just right is key to your burrito bowl. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch that can make it gummy.
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid!
- Once done, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
This way, your rice will be fluffy and light, setting a great foundation for your flavorful toppings!
How to Make a Delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30-35 minutes, including the time to prepare and cook the ingredients. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by rinsing the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
While your rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef into the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving on to the next step.
3. Heating the Beans and Corn:
In a separate pot, add the drained black beans and corn. Heat them over low heat for about 5 minutes until they are warmed through. This will add more texture and flavor to your bowl!
4. Assembling the Burrito Bowl:
It’s time to create your burrito bowl! Start with a generous portion of the fluffy rice as your base. On one side, layer the seasoned ground beef, then add the warmed black beans and corn. Next, place the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and add the red onions. Don’t forget to add a big dollop of sour cream right in the center!
5. Finishing Touches:
Top your burrito bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the taste even more.
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delightful Ground Beef Burrito Bowl while it’s fresh! Feel free to mix in any other toppings you love, like jalapeños, salsa, or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Simply adjust the water ratio to 2 1/4 cups of water for 1 cup of brown rice, and the cooking time will be longer, about 40-45 minutes. Remember to check for doneness as it cooks!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using a plant-based version, as they may require a bit more flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or microwave until heated through. If the rice appears dry, add a splash of water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze Burrito Bowl Ingredients?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked beef, beans, and corn separately for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before placing them in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm gently on the stove.
