Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for tang)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans if preferred)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
- Jalapeño slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water (or chicken broth), olive oil (if using), and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes (or according to the rice package instructions). Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
2. Cook the Beef:
Sauté the Aromatics: While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (skip the oil if your beef is fatty). Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it off, but leave a little for flavor.
Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef in the spices. Then add the tomato paste and beef broth (or water), and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more broth or water.
Finish with Lime: Once the beef is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, squeeze in the lime juice (if using) and give everything a final stir. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
Layer the Rice: Start by placing a generous portion of cooked rice in the bottom of each bowl. The rice acts as the base and provides a hearty foundation for the other ingredients.
Add the Beef: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture on top of the rice. Be generous—this is the star of the dish!
Add Beans and Corn: Next, add a portion of black beans and corn to the bowl. These ingredients add fiber, protein, and texture to the dish, as well as vibrant color.
Top with Fresh Veggies: Top the beef with diced tomato, avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory beef.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm ingredients. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa for extra flavor. For a bit of heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or a squeeze of lime juice.
Optional Crunch: For a little crunch, serve the burrito bowl with some tortilla chips on the side. You can also crumble the chips into the bowl for a nice texture contrast.
4. Serve:
Serve the assembled burrito bowls immediately with lime wedges on the side. These bowls are great for customization, so feel free to add extra toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or hot sauce, depending on your preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Mexican Rice: If you want to make the rice a little more flavorful, you can cook it with some diced onions, garlic, and a handful of frozen peas or carrots for a colorful side dish. Alternatively, try making cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor.
- With Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter touch, grill or roast vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to add some smokiness to your burrito bowl.
- With Sautéed Greens: For added nutrients, sauté some spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard to serve alongside the burrito bowls. The greens balance the richness of the beef and toppings.
- With Extra Protein: If you want more protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg on top of your burrito bowl for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for the Perfect Burrito Bowl:
- Customize the Protein: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans or tempeh.
- Add More Spice: If you like your burrito bowl extra spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also add a fresh diced jalapeño to the bowl for extra heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables, especially the cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado. Fresh ingredients really make the dish pop.
- Make It Ahead: If you’re meal prepping, you can cook the beef and rice ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the components and assemble the bowls.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan burrito bowl, replace the beef with sautéed veggies, tofu, or black beans, and skip the cheese and sour cream. You can use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free sour cream alternative if desired.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Leftover burrito bowl components can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent soggy rice, store the rice separately from the other ingredients. The beef, beans, and toppings can be stored together.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Reheat the rice in the microwave or stovetop, and assemble the bowl once everything is hot. For toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, it’s best to add them fresh after reheating.
Final Thoughts:
The Classic Beef Burrito Bowl is the ultimate customizable dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s a perfect balance of juicy beef, seasoned rice, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies, all topped with cheese and your favorite salsa. This bowl is not only delicious but also versatile—feel free to add or remove ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a casual get-together, this burrito bowl will definitely become a crowd-pleaser!