Loaded Beef Burrito Bowl

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This loaded bowl layers seasoned ground beef cooked with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika over fluffy white rice. It’s complemented by black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for fresh texture. Toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro add creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes. Lime wedges brighten the flavors, making it a colorful and hearty Tex-Mex-inspired dish ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for a balanced and delicious meal.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:11:00 GMT
Savory loaded beef burrito bowl, featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. Save
Savory loaded beef burrito bowl, featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. | toastytongs.com

A vibrant and hearty bowl layered with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, beans, and zesty toppings a satisfying Tex-Mex favorite perfect for any meal.

I remember making loaded beef burrito bowls for a family get-together and everyone loved building their own bowls with their favorite toppings. It's always a huge hit at our table and makes mealtime extra fun.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • Rice: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice (rinsed), 2 cups (480 ml) water, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Beans & Veggies: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce
  • Toppings: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 avocado (sliced), lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and water absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the Beef:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 2 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Prepare Other Ingredients:
While beef cooks, warm the black beans and corn in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and garnish with lime wedges.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy
A colorful loaded beef burrito bowl, brimming with layers like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Save
A colorful loaded beef burrito bowl, brimming with layers like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. | toastytongs.com

My kids love making their own burrito bowls, especially on busy weeknights when everyone wants something a little different. It always brings us together at the dinner table.

Serving & Storage

Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and beef before assembling with fresh toppings for best texture.

Customization Ideas

Swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter base. Make it vegan with plant-based protein, omit dairy toppings, or add extra veggies for more crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving has about 610 calories, 28 g fat, 58 g carbs, and 34 g protein. Actual values will vary with toppings and brands used.

Close-up of a loaded beef burrito bowl, showcasing the textures and vibrant colors of fresh ingredients. Save
Close-up of a loaded beef burrito bowl, showcasing the textures and vibrant colors of fresh ingredients. | toastytongs.com

Loaded beef burrito bowls are sure to become a family staple. Enjoy a delicious Tex-Mex meal that's easy, flexible, and crowd-pleasing every time.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best type of beef to use?

Lean ground beef works well, providing rich flavor without excess fat. It browns nicely and absorbs seasonings.

Can I use different rice varieties?

Yes, long-grain white rice is recommended, but brown rice or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives for different textures and nutrition.

How can I make this bowl spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or increase the chili powder to bring extra heat and bold flavors to the dish.

Are there vegetarian options?

Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms, and consider dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a vegetarian-friendly version.

What toppings complement this bowl best?

Shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges provide creamy, fresh, and tangy contrasts that enhance every bite.

Loaded Beef Burrito Bowl

A filling Tex-Mex bowl with seasoned beef, rice, beans, fresh veggies, and zesty toppings.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Gluten

Components

Beef

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tbsp chili powder
06 1 tsp ground cumin
07 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 1/4 cup tomato sauce

Rice

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 tsp salt

Beans & Vegetables

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 1 cup shredded lettuce

Toppings

01 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 1/2 cup sour cream
03 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
04 1 avocado, sliced
05 Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Phase 01

Cook Rice: Combine rinsed rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Phase 03

Season Beef Mixture: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef. Stir in tomato sauce and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Phase 04

Warm Beans and Corn: While beef cooks, heat black beans and corn kernels in a small saucepan or microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Phase 05

Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each portion with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

Phase 06

Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing spoon
  • Serving bowls

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream)
  • May contain soy (verify tomato sauce and cheese labels)
  • Potential avocado sensitivity
  • Gluten-free when using certified gluten-free packaged ingredients

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 610
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 34 g