Name: Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 red onion, sliced; 3 to 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; Corn salsa (quantity as desired); Tomato salsa or pico de gallo (quantity as desired); Guacamole, or sliced avocado (quantity as desired); Optional: cilantro and lime wedges for serving; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; Sour cream (quantity as desired); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; Pinch salt, plus more to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix; 1/3 cup water; 1 1/2 cups steamed rice; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 64 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant and hearty meal that packs all the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in a fresh and customizable way, this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It combines savory, spiced ground beef with tender-crisp peppers and onions, fluffy steamed rice, and a colorful medley of toppings that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavor, texture, and that satisfying “just right” balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with cooked brown ground meat sits in the center, with a wooden spoon resting inside it. Surrounding the pan on a white marbled surface are eight white bowls containing different food items arranged in a loose circle: at the top, white shredded cheese and corn mixed with chopped red onion and green herbs; to the right, light creamy yogurt and sautéed green peppers with onions; below, black beans and bright green mashed guacamole; at the bottom, fresh red tomato salsa and plain cooked white rice; and to the left, chopped green lettuce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this dish is essential and works together to create a perfect harmony of tastes, textures, and colors. From the earthy oregano that infuses warmth to the fresh crunch of romaine lettuce, these components are simple but mighty in making this bowl unforgettable.

Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables, adding richness and depth without overwhelming the flavors.
Green bell pepper: Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the spices in the beef.
Red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and slight sweetness when cooked just right.
Dried oregano: Brings a classic herbaceous note that elevates the overall taste.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base that brings savory richness with a nice texture.
Taco seasoning mix: Powers up the ground beef with a zesty, smoky kick.
Water: Helps simmer the taco seasoning into the beef evenly for maximum flavor absorption.
Chopped romaine lettuce: Offers a crisp, fresh contrast that lightens the dish.
Steamed rice: Acts as a neutral, fluffy canvas that makes the bowl filling and comforting.
Black beans: Add protein, creaminess, and a lovely earthy flavor.
Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts slightly over the warm ingredients for a gooey, savory touch.
Corn salsa: Infuses sweet and juicy pops of flavor that brighten every bite.
Tomato salsa or pico de gallo: Offers freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Guacamole or sliced avocado: Provides creamy, luscious texture and healthy fats.
Sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges (optional): Add cool creaminess, herbal brightness, and zesty citrus to finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in the sliced green bell pepper and red onion, then season them with dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook these until they are just tender yet still have a little crunch, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds a flavorful, textured vegetable base that perfectly complements the beef’s savory notes.

Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Beef

Using the same skillet, add your lean ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with your spatula as it browns. Once the beef is nicely caramelized, drain any excess grease for a leaner finish. Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix evenly over the beef and stir well to coat every morsel. Pour in about a third of a cup of water and allow the mixture to simmer gently until the water nearly evaporates, so the seasoning deeply infuses the meat. This ensures every bite bursts with that classic spiced burrito flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

Now for the fun part—layering! Divide chopped romaine lettuce evenly between four bowls. Add steamed rice, drained black beans, your sautéed peppers and onions, and the savory ground beef on top. Scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the warm ingredients so it melts slightly, then dollop corn salsa, pico de gallo, and creamy avocado or guacamole to bring brightness and creaminess. Feel free to add sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime to finish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

A bowl of layered burrito ingredients arranged neatly in sections. The bottom layer is green leafy lettuce, topped with a scoop of white sauce on the left side. Next to it, there is diced red tomato mixed with bits of purple onion and green peppers. Above that, dark black beans and a scoop of fresh green guacamole sit beside a wedge of light green lime. In the center, browned ground beef is placed beside yellow corn mixed with bits of onion and green peppers. On the right side, there is a portion of white rice. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes truly take this dish to the next level. Cilantro brings aromatic freshness, sour cream offers cooling creaminess that balances out the spices, and lime wedges add a tangy zest that wakes up your taste buds. These little extras are what transform a great meal into an extraordinary experience.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing this burrito bowl with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch or a simple Mexican street corn salad for an extra splash of color and flavor. A light, citrusy cucumber salad also complements the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your bowls in rustic terracotta dishes and scatter additional toppings like chopped jalapeños, radishes, or pickled onions around the table for friends and family to customize their bowls. You can also serve components buffet style, allowing everyone to build their own, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the wet ingredients like salsa and guacamole separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

The seasoned ground beef and sautéed peppers/onions freeze well for up to 2 months. Portion them separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. However, it’s best to avoid freezing fresh toppings like lettuce and avocado, as they don’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the beef and sautéed vegetables gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add fresh lettuce, cheese, and cold toppings after reheating for the best texture. A quick squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream will revive those fresh flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well with the same seasoning and cooking method, offering a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your taco seasoning mix is gluten-free—which many store-bought varieties are—this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for most dietary needs.

How spicy is this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning mix and salsas you use. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot seasoning and adding jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it fiery.

Can I prep parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely. You can chop vegetables and cook the rice ahead of time. Even the sautéed peppers and seasoned ground beef can be made a day early and reheated to streamline your mealtime.

What are some good vegetarian substitutions?

Try swapping the ground beef for seasoned grilled vegetables, tofu, or a hearty bean mix for a scrumptious vegetarian burrito bowl that still delivers plenty of protein and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a dish as versatile and vibrant as this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The layers of flavors and textures will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating a delicious dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!