Beef Burrito Bowl Brown Rice (Print View)
A satisfying bowl featuring seasoned beef, wholesome brown rice, and fresh, colorful toppings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lbs 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 - 0.5 tsp dried oregano
09 - 0.5 tsp salt
10 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp water
→ Brown Rice
13 - 1 cup brown rice
14 - 2½ cups water
15 - 0.5 tsp salt
→ Toppings
16 - 1 medium avocado, diced
17 - 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
18 - ¾ cup canned sweetcorn, drained
19 - ¾ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
20 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
21 - ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
22 - 4 tbsp sour cream
23 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
24 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
# How to Make:
01 - Rinse brown rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until evenly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the beef. Stir in tomato paste and water, mixing thoroughly. Simmer the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Dice avocado; halve cherry tomatoes; drain canned sweetcorn and black beans; shred lettuce and cheddar cheese.
06 - Divide cooked brown rice evenly into four bowls. Layer with the seasoned beef mixture, then top with avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream, a lime wedge, and fresh cilantro leaves to each serving.
07 - Serve immediately, allowing diners to mix ingredients as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 45 minutes, and most of that time the rice cooks itself while you handle the beef.
- Everyone at the table gets exactly what they want, with no complaints about unwanted ingredients mixed in.
- The spiced ground beef is genuinely craveable—earthy, warm, and complex without being overly complicated.
- Leftovers stay separate, so tomorrow's lunch tastes fresh, not like everything got soggy together.
02 -
- Brown rice needs exactly 25 minutes at a gentle simmer with the lid on; too high heat or leaving the lid off causes uneven cooking and mushy edges.
- Don't skip rinsing the beans—canned bean liquid can make the bowl taste tinny and metallic.
- Dice the avocado last, just before serving, so it stays creamy and doesn't turn brown from oxidation.
- The lime wedge is not optional; that squeeze of acid completely transforms the flavor and ties all the elements together.
03 -
- If you're cooking for people with different preferences, keep the beef warm in the skillet and let everyone serve themselves the amount they want—no waste, no wasted effort.
- Set out your toppings in small bowls rather than piling them on a platter; it makes assembly cleaner and people naturally take more reasonable portions.