Make this Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe tonight and watch your family come back for seconds! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Key Highlights:
- Ready in just 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for meal prep – stays fresh for up to 4 days
- More affordable than restaurant versions
Why You Need This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ever find yourself craving a hearty burrito bowl but don’t want to spend $15 per person at a restaurant? This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl solves that problem!
With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create restaurant-quality burrito bowls right in your kitchen. The secret lies in perfectly seasoned ground beef and a customizable topping bar that lets everyone build their ideal bowl.
This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl recipe serves four people generously and costs a fraction of what you’d pay eating out. Plus, you can adjust the spice level and ingredients based on your family’s preferences. If you enjoy working with ground beef, you might also love my ground beef curry recipe for another weeknight dinner option.
Nutrition Information for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 56g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Values based on standard recipe with all toppings. Adjust according to your specific ingredients and portions.
Time Needed for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients for Your Burrito Bowl
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| For the Beef | ||
| Lean ground beef (85/15) | 1 pound | Can substitute other ground meats |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For cooking |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium (about 1 cup diced) | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (about 1 tablespoon minced) | |
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons | Adjust to taste |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| For the Bowl Base | ||
| White rice | 2 cups uncooked | Long-grain recommended |
| Water | 4 cups | For cooking rice |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | For rice |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Rinsed and drained |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup | Thawed |
| For Toppings | ||
| Romaine lettuce | 2 cups shredded | About 1 small head |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup diced | 2 medium |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup shredded | |
| Salsa | 1 cup | Any heat level |
| Avocado | 1 ripe | Sliced |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup chopped | |
| Lime | 2 whole | Cut into wedges |
Kitchen Equipment for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet (12-inch) | Cooking the beef mixture |
| Medium saucepan with lid | Cooking the rice |
| Cutting board | Prep surface |
| Chef’s knife | Chopping vegetables |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Precise measurements |
| Can opener | Opening beans |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring and breaking up meat |
| Colander | Rinsing beans and rice |
| 4 large serving bowls | Serving |
| Small prep bowls | Holding prepared ingredients |
Super Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Ready for Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Clear your kitchen counters to create workspace
- Take all ingredients out of refrigerator and pantry
- Place them on counter in groups (meat, produce, dry goods)
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
- Dry hands with clean towel
- Pull out all equipment and place within reach
- Set up a clean, dry cutting board in center of workspace
- Place a small bowl nearby for food scraps
- Check that stove is clear and ready to use
Preparing All Your Ingredients
- Washing Fresh Produce:
- Fill clean bowl with cold water
- Place all produce in water
- Gently agitate to remove dirt
- Drain water and rinse produce under running water
- Pat dry with clean kitchen towel
- Dicing the Onion (Step-by-Step):
- Place onion on cutting board
- Using sharp knife, cut off 1/4 inch from stem end
- Cut off 1/4 inch from root end
- Stand onion on flat cut end
- Cut in half from top to bottom
- Peel off papery outer layers and discard
- Place one half flat-side down on board
- Hold onion firmly with fingertips curled under (claw position)
- Make vertical cuts from one end to other, about 1/4 inch apart
- Rotate onion 90 degrees
- Make horizontal cuts across previous cuts, creating small squares
- Repeat with other half
- Transfer diced onion to small bowl
- Mincing the Garlic:
- Place garlic bulb on cutting board
- Press down firmly with heel of hand to separate cloves
- Take 3 cloves and set aside
- Place flat side of knife blade on clove
- Press down firmly with heel of hand to crush
- Peel away papery skin and discard
- Slice each clove thinly
- Gather slices into small pile
- Rock knife back and forth over pile until finely minced
- Repeat with remaining cloves
- Transfer minced garlic to separate small bowl
- Preparing Lettuce:
- Remove any wilted outer leaves and discard
- Cut head in half from top to bottom
- Place flat side down on cutting board
- Slice into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide)
- Transfer to colander
- Rinse under cold water
- Shake gently to remove excess water
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Place in bowl, cover with damp paper towel, refrigerate
- Dicing Tomatoes:
- Place tomato on cutting board, stem side up
- Cut out stem with small knife
- Cut tomato in half from top to bottom
- Place halves flat-side down
- Cut into 1/2-inch strips
- Rotate 90 degrees
- Cut across strips to make 1/2-inch cubes
- Transfer to small bowl
- Repeat with second tomato
- Preparing Avocado:
- Place avocado on cutting board
- Cut around middle, lengthwise, until knife hits pit
- Rotate avocado, continuing to cut around pit
- Twist halves in opposite directions to separate
- To remove pit: carefully tap knife into pit, twist, and lift out
- Score flesh in grid pattern with knife tip
- Scoop out cubes with large spoon
- Place in small bowl
- Squeeze lime juice over top to prevent browning
- Preparing Cilantro:
- Hold bunch by stems
- Slice off thick bottom stems
- Roughly chop remaining leaves and tender stems
- Transfer to small bowl
- Preparing Limes:
- Place lime on cutting board
- Cut in half from pole to pole
- Place each half flat side down
- Cut each half into 3 wedges
- Repeat with second lime
- Transfer to small plate
- Measuring Dry Ingredients:
- Place small bowls on counter
- Use measuring spoons to measure each spice:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Keep spices in separate piles on small plate or in small bowl
Cooking the Rice for Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Place colander in clean sink
- Pour 2 cups rice into colander
- Turn on cold water tap to gentle stream
- Rinse rice, stirring gently with your fingers
- Continue rinsing until water runs mostly clear (about 1-2 minutes)
- Shake colander gently to remove excess water
- Transfer rinsed rice to medium saucepan
- Add 4 cups cold water to pan
- Add 1 teaspoon salt
- Stir once with spoon
- Place saucepan on stove burner
- Turn heat to high
- Do not cover the pan yet
- Watch closely until water begins to bubble
- When water reaches full boil (large bubbles breaking surface):
- IMPORTANT: Turn heat down to lowest setting
- Place lid on pan, ensuring it’s tight and even
- Do not remove lid during cooking
- Set timer for 18 minutes
- When timer sounds:
- Do not remove lid yet
- Turn off heat completely
- Move pan to cool burner if using electric stove
- Reset timer for 5 minutes
- Let rice rest undisturbed
- After 5-minute rest:
- Remove lid, tilting away from you to avoid steam burns
- Gently fluff rice with fork (not spoon)
- Replace lid to keep warm until serving time
Cooking the Beef for Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Preparing the Pan:
- Set large skillet on stove burner
- Turn heat to medium-high (6-7 on numbered dial)
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to cold pan
- Tilt pan to coat bottom evenly
- Wait 30-60 seconds until oil shimmers and moves easily
- TIP: Oil is ready when it looks thin and shiny, not smoking
- Cooking the Onions:
- Add diced onion to hot pan
- Spread in even layer with wooden spoon
- Let cook 30 seconds without stirring
- Stir onions and spread again
- Cook 3-4 minutes total, stirring every 30 seconds
- Onions should become soft and translucent
- If browning too quickly, reduce heat to medium
- BEGINNER TIP: Onions should sizzle gently – if silent, heat is too low; if sputtering loudly, heat is too high
- Adding Garlic:
- Add minced garlic to pan with onions
- Stir immediately to prevent burning
- Cook exactly 30 seconds, stirring constantly
- WARNING: Watch carefully! Garlic burns easily and will taste bitter if overcooked
- Cooking the Ground Beef:
- Add ground beef to pan
- Break into 4-5 large chunks with wooden spoon
- Let cook 1 minute without stirring
- Break chunks into smaller pieces (about quarter-size)
- Cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Continue breaking into smaller pieces (pea-size)
- Cook 3-4 more minutes until no pink remains
- TEST FOR DONENESS: Cut largest piece in half – should be brown throughout
- Draining Excess Fat (If Needed):
- Tilt pan slightly to one side
- Use spoon to remove excess fat that pools
- Leave about 1 tablespoon fat in pan for flavor
- Discard fat in heat-safe container (not sink)
- Adding Seasonings:
- Sprinkle all measured seasonings over meat:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Stir thoroughly to coat meat evenly
- Cook 2-3 minutes more, stirring frequently
- MOISTURE CHECK: If mixture looks dry, add 2-3 tablespoons water
- Stir well to create slightly saucy texture
- TASTE TEST: Carefully taste a small amount and adjust seasonings if needed
- Turn heat to low to keep warm until ready to serve
- If you’re interested in more ways to season ground beef, check out my Beef Queso Mac and Cheese recipe for inspiration.
- Sprinkle all measured seasonings over meat:
Preparing Beans and Corn for Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Preparing Black Beans:
- Place can of beans on counter
- Open with can opener, cutting all the way around
- Place colander in sink
- Pour beans into colander
- Rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds
- Shake colander gently to remove excess water
- Transfer beans to microwave-safe bowl
- Cover bowl with damp paper towel
- Microwave on high for 1 minute
- Stir gently
- If not warm enough, microwave 30 seconds more
- Preparing Corn:
- If using frozen corn:
- Measure 1 cup frozen corn into microwave-safe bowl
- Add 1 tablespoon water
- Cover with microwave-safe plate or paper towel
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes
- Stir halfway through
- Drain any excess water
- If using canned corn:
- Open can with can opener
- Pour into colander
- Rinse under cold water
- Microwave same as frozen corn
- If using frozen corn:
Assembling Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Setting Up Assembly Station:
- Arrange all components in order on counter
- Line up serving bowls
- Make sure all toppings are ready in separate containers
- Have serving spoons ready for each component
- Building Each Bowl (Step by Step):
- Layer 1 – Base:
- Add exactly 1 cup cooked rice to bottom of each bowl
- Spread rice to cover bottom of bowl
- Layer 2 – Protein:
- Add 1/4 of the seasoned beef mixture (about 1/2 cup) on top of rice
- Place in center of bowl
- Layer 3 – Beans & Corn:
- Add 1/4 cup black beans to one side of bowl
- Add 1/4 cup corn next to beans
- Layer 4 – Fresh Vegetables:
- Add 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- Arrange lettuce on one side of bowl
- Add 1/4 cup diced tomatoes next to lettuce
- Layer 5 – Cheese:
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese over warm beef
- Cheese will melt slightly from heat of beef
- Layer 6 – Avocado:
- Fan out 1/4 avocado slices decoratively on top
- Layer 7 – Sauces:
- Add 2 tablespoons salsa in small spoonful
- Add 2 tablespoons sour cream next to salsa
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro over entire bowl
- Place 2 lime wedges on side of bowl
- TIP: Squeeze lime over bowl just before eating
- Layer 1 – Base:
- Serve Immediately:
- Each bowl should be served while beef and rice are still warm
- Encourage everyone to mix ingredients together before eating
- PRESENTATION TIP: Arrange components in distinct sections for Instagram-worthy presentation
Understanding how to layer ingredients is one of the keys to a perfect Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl. Learning to work with different ingredients is a valuable cooking skill, as explained in my article about the ease of cooking with ground beef.
Troubleshooting Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
- Dry Beef Mixture:
- Problem: Beef looks crumbly and dry
- Solution 1: Add 2-3 tablespoons water or beef broth while cooking
- Solution 2: Don’t drain all fat from pan (leave a little for flavor)
- Solution 3: Add 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- Prevention: Cook on medium heat, not high
- Too Spicy:
- Problem: Seasoning blend is too hot for your taste
- Solution 1: Reduce chili powder to 1 tablespoon next time
- Solution 2: Add extra sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Solution 3: Serve with more rice to balance heat
- Prevention: Start with half the spices and adjust to taste
- Mushy Rice:
- Problem: Rice is sticky or gummy
- Solution 1: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking
- Solution 2: Use exactly 2 cups rice to 4 cups water ratio
- Solution 3: Ensure lid fits tightly with no steam escaping
- Prevention: Don’t stir rice while cooking, don’t lift lid
- Rice Not Fully Cooked:
- Problem: Rice is still hard in center
- Solution 1: Add 1/4 cup more water
- Solution 2: Cover and cook 5 more minutes
- Solution 3: Let rest longer (10 minutes) with lid on
- Prevention: Make sure water comes to full boil before reducing heat
- Beans Too Firm:
- Problem: Beans seem undercooked
- Solution 1: Microwave 1-2 minutes longer with 1 tablespoon water
- Solution 2: Mash slightly with fork for creamier texture
- Prevention: Some beans brands are firmer than others; adjust cooking time accordingly
Variations on Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Protein Options:
- Ground Turkey:
- Use 93% lean ground turkey
- Add 1 extra tablespoon oil when cooking
- Increase salt to 1 1/4 teaspoons
- Cook time remains the same
- Ground Chicken:
- Works best with dark meat ground chicken
- Add 1 tablespoon oil when cooking
- Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cook time remains the same
- Ground Pork:
- Reduce added salt by half
- Drain more fat after cooking
- Add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Plant-Based Option:
- Use 12 oz plant-based crumbles
- Follow package directions for cooking
- Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami flavor
- Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Base Options:
- Brown Rice:
- Rinse same as white rice
- Use 2 cups rice to 4.5 cups water ratio
- Increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes
- Rest time remains 5 minutes
- Quinoa:
- Rinse thoroughly before cooking
- Use 2 cups quinoa to 4 cups water
- Cook for 15-18 minutes
- Let rest 5 minutes
- Cauliflower Rice:
- Use 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower
- Sauté in 1 tablespoon oil for 5-7 minutes
- Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Do not cover while cooking
- Mixed Greens Base:
- Use 6 cups mixed salad greens
- Skip cooking step
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pinch of salt
- Place in bowl first, then add warm toppings
Bean Variations:
- Pinto Beans:
- Substitute directly for black beans
- Slightly creamier texture
- Prepare exactly the same way
- Kidney Beans:
- Substitute directly for black beans
- Firmer texture, earthier flavor
- Prepare exactly the same way
- Refried Beans:
- Use 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- Heat in microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway
- Spread as base layer before rice
- Reduce rice portion to 3/4 cup per bowl
- No Beans:
- Double the corn (2 cups total)
- Or add 1 cup diced bell peppers, sautéed 5 minutes
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free:
- Recipe is naturally gluten-free
- Verify spice blends have no additives
- Check salsa for hidden ingredients
- Dairy-Free:
- Omit cheese
- Replace sour cream with dairy-free alternative or guacamole
- Add extra avocado for creaminess
- Low-Carb:
- Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice
- Increase vegetables
- Add extra protein
- Vegetarian:
- Replace beef with:
- 8 oz mushrooms + 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and sautéed
- 2 cups crumbled extra-firm tofu
- 1 can lentils, drained and seasoned same as beef recipe
- Replace beef with:
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Storage Instructions:
- Store components in separate airtight containers
- Refrigerate immediately after cooling (within 2 hours)
- Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
- TIP: Store wet and dry ingredients separately to prevent sogginess
For Meal Prep:
- Prepare rice, beef, beans, and corn
- Store in compartmentalized containers
- Keep fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado) separate
- Store cheese and sour cream in smallest containers
- Assemble just before eating
- TIP: Prep 4 containers on Sunday for quick lunches all week
Reheating Method:
- For rice and beef:
- Remove from refrigerator
- Place in microwave-safe bowl
- Add 1 tablespoon water per cup of mixture
- Cover with damp paper towel
- Microwave on 70% power for 1 minute
- Stir gently
- Microwave 30-60 seconds more until steaming hot
- Heat to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
- TIP: Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon water before reheating to restore moisture
- For beans and corn:
- Place in separate microwave-safe bowl
- Cover with damp paper towel
- Microwave for 30-60 seconds
- Stir halfway through
- IMPORTANT: Add fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado) only after reheating
Do Not Freeze:
- Assembled burrito bowls (will become soggy)
- Cut avocado (turns brown and mushy)
- Lettuce or fresh tomatoes (texture becomes unpleasant)
- Sour cream (will separate)
Can Freeze:
- Cooked rice (up to 3 months)
- Cool completely before freezing
- Store in airtight container
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Cooked seasoned beef (up to 3 months)
- Cool completely before freezing
- Store in airtight container
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Beans and corn (up to 3 months)
- Drain thoroughly before freezing
- Store in airtight container
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
Safety Notes & Tips for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Food Safety:
- Always cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C) internal temperature
- Use food thermometer in thickest part of meat to verify
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if above 90°F outside)
- Keep raw meat separate from other ingredients
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap:
- After handling raw meat
- Before chopping vegetables
- Before assembling bowls
- Use separate cutting boards for:
- Raw meat (plastic, dishwasher-safe)
- Vegetables (can be wood or plastic)
- Wash all produce thoroughly before cutting
- Check canned goods for dents or bulges before using
Kitchen Safety:
- Keep pot handles turned inward on stove
- Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot pans
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
- Be careful of steam when removing rice lid (open away from face)
- Turn off stove completely when finished cooking
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Keep paper towels away from heat source
Beginner Tips:
- Read recipe completely before starting
- Gather and measure all ingredients before turning on heat
- Set timer for each cooking step
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
- Don’t rush – better to take your time and do it right
- Clean as you go to avoid overwhelming mess
- If you make a mistake, it’s usually fixable!
Money-Saving Tips:
- Buy spices in bulk section when possible
- Use frozen corn instead of fresh (cheaper and lasts longer)
- Watch for sales on ground beef – buy extra and freeze
- Make your own taco seasoning mix and store in jar
- Use block cheese and grate yourself (cheaper than pre-shredded)
- Meal prep for multiple days to avoid waste
Time-Saving Tips:
- Chop vegetables up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate
- Use pre-shredded cheese if in a hurry
- Buy pre-cut lettuce when time is short
- Use jarred minced garlic (1.5 teaspoons = 3 cloves)
- Use microwave rice pouches in a pinch
- Set up assembly line to build all bowls at once
- Investing in quality kitchen tools like sharp knives can make your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl preparation even faster, as I’ve found when making various recipes with ground beef.
