Beef Burrito Bowls Cilantro (Printable)
Flavorful beef paired with zesty cilantro lime rice and fresh, colorful toppings in a hearty bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 + 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 water runs clear. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then mix in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
02 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
04 - Place black beans in a small saucepan with a splash of water. Heat over low until warmed through. Season lightly with salt if desired.
05 - Divide cilantro lime rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top with portions of seasoned beef, black beans, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, corn, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with sliced jalapeño and extra cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's endlessly customizable—build it your way without anyone feeling left out.
- The cilantro lime rice alone is worth making on a weeknight, bright and alive in every bite.
- Hands-on assembly means everyone gets exactly what they want, and there's something communal about that.
02 -
- Don't skip rinsing the rice; you'll taste the difference in every single grain.
- The beef sauce should coat a spoon when it's ready—if it looks thin, simmer it longer.
- Slice your avocado last, or it will turn brown and sad before you eat.
03 -
- Brown your beef without stirring too much—the longer the meat touches the hot pan, the more flavor it builds.
- Don't rush the simmer on the beef; five minutes allows the spices to bloom and marry into something bigger than their individual selves.