Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice are a vibrant and flavorful take on the classic Mexican burrito—without the tortilla. This dish is built around a hearty base of fluffy cilantro lime rice, topped with perfectly seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa.

Each bowl bursts with color and taste, offering a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and freshness. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a family, these burrito bowls are a wholesome and customizable choice that never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines all the flavors of a traditional burrito in a lighter, more versatile way. It’s comforting yet fresh, hearty yet healthy. The cilantro lime rice gives it a refreshing lift, while the seasoned ground beef adds depth and richness.

It’s also incredibly flexible—you can adjust toppings to your liking, making it perfect for everyone’s preferences. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, great for make-ahead lunches, and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s both delicious and practical. It brings together the best parts of Mexican cuisine—spices, textures, and fresh ingredients—in one convenient bowl. It’s balanced, filling, and nutrient-rich, making it suitable for busy weeknights or gatherings.

The flavor harmony between tangy lime rice, spiced beef, and vibrant toppings makes every bite exciting. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s easy, customizable, and consistently satisfying.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Ground Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup beef broth or water

For the Toppings

• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the rice with water, olive oil, and salt until fluffy. Stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro once cooked.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in tomato paste and beef broth; cook for 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
5. Warm the black beans and corn separately.
6. Assemble bowls by layering cilantro lime rice, ground beef, beans, corn, and desired toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in spices, tomato paste, and beef broth. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and well-seasoned.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While the beef cooks, warm the black beans and corn in separate small pans or the microwave. Dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the red onion and cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowls
Spoon cilantro lime rice into each bowl. Top with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, onion, cheese, and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 5: Serve
Serve warm, allowing everyone to customize their toppings as desired.

How to Serve

Serve these burrito bowls fresh and warm, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. They pair perfectly with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a side of sautéed vegetables. For a lighter option, serve the bowl over a bed of greens for a burrito salad. This dish is ideal for family-style meals where everyone can build their own bowl according to preference.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor in the rice.
• To make the beef extra juicy, don’t overcook it after adding the tomato paste and broth.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
• For added crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted corn.
• You can meal-prep all components separately and assemble before serving to keep everything fresh.

Variations

• Spicy Burrito Bowls: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with sautéed vegetables or tofu. Add extra beans for protein.
• Chicken or Turkey Bowl: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• Cauliflower Rice Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb version.
• Southwestern Style: Add roasted bell peppers, chipotle sauce, and queso fresco for a bolder flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep rice, beef, and toppings in separate containers.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
• Reheating: Reheat rice and beef in the microwave or stovetop until hot. Assemble with fresh toppings before serving.
• Meal Prep Tip: Portion rice and beef in meal prep containers, adding toppings right before eating for maximum freshness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for rice)
• Large skillet (for beef)
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Airtight containers (for storage or meal prep)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, brown rice works well. Just adjust the cooking time to about 40 minutes.

Q2: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of the spice blend?
Absolutely. Use about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in place of the individual spices.

Q3: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare all components and assemble bowls just before serving.

Q5: Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it tastes great as a cold burrito bowl, especially for packed lunches or summer meals.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the essence of a Mexican burrito to your bowl. With perfectly seasoned beef, fragrant lime rice, and colorful toppings, each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s an easy, versatile, and healthy recipe that fits any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or a casual gathering. Once you try this wholesome dish, it will become a regular on your menu, offering both comfort and freshness in every bowl.