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Lean Ground Beef Burrito Bowls - A Fresh, Fast Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground beef: 1 pound (90–96% lean)
  • Cooked rice: 4 cups (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or grilled kernels)
  • Bell pepper: 1 large, diced
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Romaine or mixed greens: 2 cups, chopped
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced
  • Cilantro: 1/3 cup, chopped
  • Lime: 1–2, cut into wedges
  • Shredded cheese: 1/2 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: for serving
  • Salsa or pico de gallo: for serving
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare your chosen rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm. For extra flavor, squeeze in a little lime juice and stir in chopped cilantro.
  2. Prep the produce: Dice the bell pepper and red onion, halve the tomatoes, chop the greens and cilantro, and cube the avocado. Set everything in small bowls so assembly is easy.
  3. Warm the beans and corn: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine black beans and corn. Add a splash of water, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime. Warm gently and keep covered.
  4. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Season the beef: Sprinkle in the seasoning blend. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to help it coat the meat. Stir and simmer 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Taste and adjust salt, chili powder, or lime as needed.
  6. Build the base: Spoon a bed of rice into each bowl. Add a handful of chopped greens for crunch and freshness.
  7. Layer the protein and veg: Top with a scoop of seasoned beef, then add the warm beans and corn. Follow with bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes.
  8. Finish with cool toppings: Add avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, a spoon of salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Scatter cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges.
  9. Make it yours: Adjust heat with crushed red pepper or hot sauce. For extra texture, add a few crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving.