This Beef and Bean Burrito Bowl delivers all the savory, spicy, and fresh flavors of a classic burrito in a simple deconstructed format. It’s a complete, customizable meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The layers of warm spiced beef and beans, cool crisp toppings, and creamy finishes make every bite a treat.
Craving a delicious Beef and Bean Burrito Bowl? You've come to the right spot! From Savory Combo Recipes favorites to amazing Chicken recipes, there's something here for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Bean Burrito Bowl
- Total Customization: Build it your way with favorite toppings.
- Weeknight Hero: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Texture Party: Enjoy tender beef, creamy beans, and crisp veggies.
- Wholesome Balance: Load up on fresh veggies and lean protein.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice, warm
- For serving: shredded lettuce, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Tools: A large skillet, a wooden spoon, and a set of measuring spoons.
Notes: Don’t stress if you’re missing one spice—the chili powder and cumin are the real stars. Using lean ground beef means you won’t have to drain much fat.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 520 kcal |
| Protein: | 32 g |
| Fat: | 16 g |
| Carbs: | 62 g |
| Fiber: | 10 g |
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Get your mise en place. Since this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking, having your onion diced, garlic minced, and spices measured out beforehand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- What kind of ground beef is best? I prefer 90/10 or 93/7 lean ground beef. It has enough fat to keep the meat flavorful and moist without leaving a pool of grease in your skillet that you need to drain off.
- Don’t skip rinsing the beans. Giving your canned black beans a good rinse under cold water removes the starchy, sometimes salty canning liquid, which results in a cleaner taste and better texture in your final bowl.
- Warm your rice. This seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. A bowl built on a foundation of warm, fluffy rice is infinitely more comforting than one with cold, clumpy rice. If your rice is cold, just pop it in the microwave for a minute before assembling.
How to Make Beef and Bean Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. You’ll notice the aroma changing from sharp to sweet. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. As it cooks, you can season it with a good pinch of salt and pepper. The trick here is to get a nice, even crumble so every bite of your beef mixture is consistent.
Step 3: This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano over the beef. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat and toast for a minute. You should smell the spices blooming—it’s a warm, earthy aroma that is the true heart of this dish.
Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the rinsed black beans and corn. Give it all a good stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid from the tomatoes will reduce slightly, creating a saucy, cohesive mixture that will cling beautifully to your rice.
Step 5: While the beef and bean mixture is simmering, this is the perfect time to get your toppings ready. Shred the lettuce, dice the avocado, and get your cheese, sour cream, and salsa out. Having everything prepped and in little bowls makes the assembly line so much fun.
Step 6: To assemble your bowls, start with a generous base of warm cooked rice. Then, ladle a hefty scoop of the hot beef and bean mixture right over the top. The steam from the hot mixture will slightly warm the rice underneath, which is just lovely.
Step 7: Now for the best part—the toppings! Arrange your shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese around the perimeter. Finish with a dollop of cool sour cream, a spoonful of vibrant salsa, a scattering of fresh cilantro, and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything. Dig in immediately!
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store beef and bean mixture separately for up to 4 days; keep rice and toppings apart.
- Freezer: Freeze beef mixture in airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reviving: Reheat beef and rice separately; assemble with fresh toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Simple Cornbread Muffins — The slightly sweet, crumbly texture is a perfect vehicle for scooping up any stray beans and rice left in the bottom of your bowl.
- A Crisp Jicama Slaw — Toss thin strips of jicama with lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro for a refreshing, crunchy side that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Charred Street Corn (Esquites) — A creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky corn salad served on the side turns your bowl into a full-blown fiesta.
Drinks
- A Classic Margarita — The sharp, citrusy tang of a good margarita balances the savory and spiced notes of the bowl beautifully. It’s a match made in heaven.
- An Ice-Cold Mexican Lager — A light, crisp beer like a Modelo or Pacifico is incredibly refreshing and doesn’t overpower the many flavors in the dish.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea (Agua de Jamaica) — This tart, vibrant, and caffeine-free drink is a fantastic non-alcoholic option that feels just as special.
Something Sweet
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce — The warm, cinnamon-sugary crunch of a churro dipped in rich chocolate is the ultimate celebratory finish after a savory meal.
- Mango Sorbet — A few scoops of bright, fruity, and dairy-free sorbet are a light and palate-cleansing way to end the meal on a sweet note.
- Tres Leches Cake — If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of this impossibly moist, milky cake is pure comfort and a classic pairing.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overcrowding the skillet with cold beef. If you dump a huge, cold block of ground beef
Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl
Make a delicious Beef and Bean Burrito Bowl in 30 minutes! A healthy, customizable meal with spiced beef, beans, rice, and fresh toppings. Get the easy recipe now!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Bean Mixture:
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
-
2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 lb lean ground beef
-
1 tbsp chili powder
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp dried oregano
-
1 can black beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained)
-
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz, undrained)
-
1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
-
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For Serving:
-
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (warm)
-
shredded lettuce
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diced avocado
-
shredded cheese
-
sour cream
-
salsa
-
fresh cilantro
-
lime wedges
Instructions
-
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. You’ll notice the aroma changing from sharp to sweet. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.01
-
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. As it cooks, you can season it with a good pinch of salt and pepper. The trick here is to get a nice, even crumble so every bite of your beef mixture is consistent.02
-
This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano over the beef. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat and toast for a minute. You should smell the spices blooming—it’s a warm, earthy aroma that is the true heart of this dish.03
-
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the rinsed black beans and corn. Give it all a good stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid from the tomatoes will reduce slightly, creating a saucy, cohesive mixture that will cling beautifully to your rice.04
-
While the beef and bean mixture is simmering, this is the perfect time to get your toppings ready. Shred the lettuce, dice the avocado, and get your cheese, sour cream, and salsa out. Having everything prepped and in little bowls makes the assembly line so much fun.05
-
To assemble your bowls, start with a generous base of warm cooked rice. Then, ladle a hefty scoop of the hot beef and bean mixture right over the top. The steam from the hot mixture will slightly warm the rice underneath, which is just lovely.06
-
Now for the best part—the toppings! Arrange your shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese around the perimeter. Finish with a dollop of cool sour cream, a spoonful of vibrant salsa, a scattering of fresh cilantro, and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything. Dig in immediately!07
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