Save to Pinterest A vibrant and hearty bowl layered with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, beans, and zesty toppings—a satisfying Tex-Mex favorite perfect for any meal.
I still remember the first time I made these loaded beef burrito bowls for my family: everyone built their own the way they liked and even the picky eaters cleaned their bowls. The simplicity and bold flavors became an instant hit at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for rice)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Tomato sauce: 1/4 cup
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
- Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (150 g), fresh, frozen, or canned
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150 g), halved
- Lettuce: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
- Cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g), shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup (10 g), chopped
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Lime wedges: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and water absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the Beef:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Other Ingredients:
- While beef cooks, warm the black beans and corn in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and garnish with lime wedges.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Save to Pinterest This burrito bowl is always on repeat when we want a meal everyone loves, and it makes an easy weeknight dinner that's perfect for our busy family schedule.
Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles, and customize the toppings based on what's available or your dietary preferences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep the beef and rice in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble bowls fresh with toppings for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your burrito bowls with a side of tortilla chips, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Save to Pinterest This loaded beef burrito bowl brings delicious Tex-Mex flavor to your table in under 40 minutes. Enjoy big flavors with simple, fresh ingredients!
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices enhance the beef?
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper create a rich, smoky flavor that complements the beef.
- → Can I substitute the rice with another base?
Yes, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for different textures or dietary preferences.
- → How to make this bowl spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or increase the chili powder in the beef seasoning for an extra kick.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the beef?
Plant-based mince or sautéed mushrooms work well as meat substitutes while keeping the bowl hearty.
- → What toppings add brightness to the dish?
Sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and lime wedges provide creamy, fresh, and tangy contrasts.