Craving a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor? This Loaded Lean Beef Burrito Bowl is your answer. It’s a fantastic, easy-to-make healthy beef bowl that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90/10 or leaner for a healthier option. Ground turkey or chicken works well too.
- Brown Rice: For a complete meal. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great low-carb alternatives.
- Black Beans: Canned and rinsed. Pinto beans are a good swap.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Salsa: Your favorite mild or medium variety.
- Avocado: Essential for creaminess. Guacamole can be used instead.
- Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh/canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 large avocado, diced
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded romaine lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, medium saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Brown Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Brown the Lean Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Beef
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the cooked beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Bowl Ingredients
Add the rinsed black beans, corn, and salsa to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through.
5. Assemble Your Healthy Beef Bowls
Divide the cooked brown rice among four bowls. Spoon the lean beef and bean mixture over the rice. Top each bowl generously with diced avocado and your desired optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro. Serve with a fresh lime wedge.
Variation Ideas
- Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- Include bell peppers or onions when browning the beef for more veggies.
- For a smoky flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika can be added to the beef seasoning.
- Spice it up with a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Loaded Lean Beef Burrito Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also store toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked brown rice will significantly reduce your total cooking time. Just heat it up before assembling.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for healthy meal prep. Prepare all components and assemble bowls when ready to eat.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or include fresh diced jalapeños in the beef mixture.
Q: Can I freeze the beef mixture?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and bean mixture in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have all the spices?
A: You can use 2 tablespoons of a pre-made taco seasoning blend as a substitute for the individual spices.
Q: Is this a gluten-free meal?
A: Yes, as long as you ensure your salsa and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free, this is a naturally gluten-free healthy beef bowl.
