Beef Burrito Bowls Cilantro Lime (Printable version)
Tender spiced beef served with fluffy cilantro lime rice and fresh, vibrant toppings in flavorful bowls.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp beef or chicken broth
→ Cilantro Lime Rice
13 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
14 - 2 cups water
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - 1/2 tsp salt
17 - Zest of 1 lime
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro, finely chopped
→ Toppings
20 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
21 - 1 large avocado, sliced
22 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
23 - 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
24 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
25 - 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
26 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
27 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add rice and stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
02 - While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
04 - Place beans in small saucepan with a splash of water. Heat on low until warmed through. Season lightly with salt if desired.
05 - Divide cilantro lime rice among 4 bowls. Top each with equal portions of beef, black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheese, and sour cream. Garnish with jalapeño and extra cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour, which means you can pull this off on a Tuesday without stress.
- Everything is customizable, so picky eaters and adventurous types can build their own perfect bite.
- The cilantro lime rice alone is so good, you'll find yourself making it for other meals just to have it in the fridge.
02 -
- Don't skip rinsing the rice—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out sticky and dense instead of fluffy.
- The cilantro has to be fresh and added after the rice is cooked; dried cilantro tastes like a dusty memory and won't give you that bright lift.
- If your beef is swimming in grease, drain it before adding the spices and broth—the meat should be moist, not oily.
03 -
- Toast your spices in the hot oil for a few seconds before adding the beef—it blooms the flavors and makes the whole dish taste more intentional.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over your bowl just before eating; it's the secret that ties everything together and makes people ask for the recipe.