If there’s one meal that never fails to satisfy in our house, it’s a Beef Burrito Bowl. It’s got all the classic flavors you’d find in a loaded burrito—seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and plenty of toppings—but served up in a customizable bowl that’s easy to assemble, family-friendly, and full of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping lunches, or just want something comforting and quick, this easy beef burrito bowl checks every box.
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can stick to the basics or go all-out with toppings like salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and more.
And because each component is made separately, everyone can build their bowl the way they like it. My kids love adding corn and cheese, while I pile on avocado and fresh salsa. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, lets them choose what they like, and still gives you the satisfaction of a homemade dinner.
This recipe is also a great way to use pantry staples. Ground beef, rice, and canned beans form the base, and everything else can be swapped based on what you have on hand. It’s an ideal weeknight recipe—hearty, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Juice and zest of 1 lime (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 avocado, diced or sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Chopped lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef well for the best flavor—let it sit in the pan before breaking it up so it gets a nice sear.
- Add tomato paste and water after browning the beef to create a saucy, flavorful mixture.
- Make the rice ahead of time or use microwave-ready rice to save time.
- Warm the beans and corn before serving for a more cohesive bowl.
- Let everyone build their own bowl—kids love the independence, and it cuts down on complaints.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls (for toppings)
- Serving bowls
Substitutions & Variations
Low Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or chopped romaine lettuce.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or seasoned black beans in place of beef.
Add Heat: Stir in chipotle powder or chopped jalapeños with the beef.
No Tomato Paste? Use salsa or taco sauce as a quick replacement.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet with the beef or serve raw in the bowl.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the beef mixture and rice up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Portion bowls into containers for easy lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Prep toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado ahead and store separately.
- Freeze the cooked beef in meal-sized portions for later use.
How to Make an Easy Beef Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Prepare rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, stir in lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While the beef cooks, warm the beans and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop. Dice tomatoes, avocado, and any other fresh toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop rice into bowls, top with seasoned beef, and layer on beans, corn, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you like. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover beef and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Freeze beef in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Use leftovers for tacos, quesadillas, or nachos the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef Burrito Bowl is one of those reliable meals that you can turn to again and again. It’s quick, filling, customizable, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a smart and flavorful choice. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how you topped your bowl—I’d love to hear your creative combos!