Burrito Bowl Recipe

This incredible Burrito Bowl Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight meals. Ready in just 35 minutes, it combines savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice with classic Mexican flavors all in one satisfying dish. Perfect for families, meal prep, or entertaining friends who love customizable meals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil: Creates the base for sautéing your vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Red bell pepper and sweet onion: Provide a flavorful aromatic base and add color and nutrition to the bowl.
• Ground beef: The protein powerhouse of this dish. Look for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the best flavor without excess grease.
• Salsa: Introduces complex flavors instantly. The thick and chunky variety adds nice texture to the finished dish.
• Black beans: Bring fiber, protein, and that classic burrito bowl element. Always rinse them to remove excess sodium.
• Corn: Adds a sweet pop and beautiful yellow color contrast. Frozen works great too if you don’t have canned.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Create the signature Mexican flavor profile with minimal effort.
• Jasmine rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Its aromatic quality elevates the entire dish.
• Taco seasoning and chili powder: The spice blend that ties everything together. Adjust to your family’s heat preference.
• Chicken stock: Infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks. Much better than plain water!
• Cheese: That melty finishing touch that makes everything better. The cheddar/jack combination offers the perfect balance of sharp and mild.
• Toppings: This is where personalization happens! Sour cream adds creaminess, cilantro brings freshness, avocado contributes richness.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Protein Swap: Substitute diced chicken for the ground beef. Cook it the same way until no longer pink in the center.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and double the beans, or add crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Rice Alternatives: While the recipe works best with white rice, you can serve the mixture over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach when sautéing the peppers and onions for extra nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa and varying the amount of chili powder.

How to Make Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and red peppers, cooking until they begin to soften. Add ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Build the Flavors

Stir in the salsa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chiles, jasmine rice, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a light boil. Once bubbling, cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Final Touches

Give everything a good stir and adjust seasonings to taste. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly and gives the flavors time to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Customize

Spoon the mixture into individual bowls. Set out all your toppings and let everyone add their favorites. Try serving over lettuce for a taco salad variation or with tortilla chips for scooping.

How to Serve

Create a build-your-own burrito bowl bar for maximum enjoyment:

As a Bowl

Serve in deep bowls with all your favorite toppings. Create a pretty arrangement with sections of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Taco Salad Style

Place a bed of chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce in a large bowl, then top with the warm burrito mixture. The contrast of cool, crisp lettuce with the hot filling is fantastic.

With Chips

Serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping—great for casual gatherings or game day spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

Repurposing Leftovers

Transform leftovers into new meals! Use as filling for stuffed peppers, wrapped in tortillas for burritos, or layered with chips and extra cheese for nachos.

Freezing

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires significantly more cooking time and liquid. For this recipe, stick with white rice varieties like jasmine or basmati. If you prefer brown rice, cook it separately and serve the burrito mixture over the top.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adjust this recipe?
This recipe is easily adapted for milder palates! Use mild salsa, omit the chili powder, and rinse the green chiles before adding them to reduce heat. You can always offer hot sauce on the side for those who want more kick.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Absolutely! For Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the meat and vegetables, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. For slow cooker, brown meat and vegetables separately, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

How can I make this more nutritious?
Boost nutrition by adding finely chopped zucchini or carrots with the peppers, using brown rice (cooked separately), or incorporating leafy greens like spinach at the end of cooking. You can also use reduced-sodium broth and beans to lower the salt content.

This Burrito Bowl recipe is truly a weeknight dinner hero. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The beauty lies in its versatility—make it exactly as written or use what you have on hand. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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