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High Protein Beef Burrito Bowls - Simple, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or grilled)
  • Peppers and onions: 1 red bell pepper, 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Tomatoes: 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Greens: 2 cups chopped romaine or shredded cabbage
  • Avocado: 1 large avocado, diced (or 1/2 cup guacamole)
  • Cheese (optional): 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: 1/2 cup (Greek yogurt boosts protein)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium beef broth or water

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare brown or white rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt when it’s done.
  2. Prep the veggies: Slice the bell pepper and onion. Dice tomatoes and avocado. Rinse and chop the romaine. Rinse the black beans and drain well.
  3. Sauté peppers and onions: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring, until tender with a bit of char. Remove to a plate.
  4. Brown the beef: Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil to the same skillet. Crumble in the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season the beef: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne over the beef. Stir to coat.
  6. Simmer for juiciness: Pour in the beef broth or water. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until most liquid reduces and the beef is glossy and well-seasoned. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Warm the corn and beans: In a small pan or the microwave, warm the corn and black beans with a pinch of salt. This step keeps the bowl cozy and helps meld flavors.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a base of rice and greens. Top with seasoned beef, peppers and onions, black beans, and corn. Add tomatoes, avocado, cheese (if using), and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  9. Finish with freshness: Sprinkle cilantro and squeeze fresh lime over each bowl. Serve immediately.