Mexican Beef Burrito Bowl

Beef • 25 Min • Healthy

This Mexican Beef Burrito Bowl brings together seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy lime sauce for a vibrant, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavour, and easily customizable with your favorite burrito-style toppings.

Ingredients

Beef

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ¼ cup salsa (optional but boosts moisture + flavor)

Bowl Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

Lime Crema

  • ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Finish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)

To Serve (Optional)

  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese
  • Avocado or guacamole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat only if needed.

2. Season the beef

Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and salsa (if using). Stir and cook 2–3 minutes until well coated and saucy.

3. Make the lime crema

In a small bowl, whisk sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.

4. Assemble the burrito bowl

Add cooked rice to a bowl, then layer corn, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and seasoned beef.

5. Finish & serve

Top with lime crema, cilantro, and optional jalapeño. Add lime wedges and any extra toppings you enjoy.

Time Brakedown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment List

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board + knife
  • Small bowl for crema

Notes & Substitutions

  • Rice swap: Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
  • Spicier version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra jalapeño.
  • Lighter option: Use ground turkey or chicken.
  • More toppings: Add avocado, cheese, salsa verde, or pickled onions.
  • Meal prep: Assemble in layers; keep crema separate until serving.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: 3–4 days (store veggies and crema separately).
  • Freezer: Beef freezes well; rice can freeze too.
  • Reheat: Warm beef and rice; assemble with fresh toppings afterward

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Big burrito flavor in a simple bowl
  • High-protein, filling, and perfect for meal prep
  • Customizable with simple grocery ingredients
  • Fresh, colorful, and satisfying

You may also enjoy our Beginner’s Chili Bowl, try the 6-Ingredient Honey Garlic Pork, or go for a Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl