High Protein Beef Burrito Bowl

Name: High Protein Beef Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 cup cooked black beans; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 avocado, sliced; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Wholesome Food

I love whipping up a High Protein Beef Burrito Bowl for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of seasoned beef, vibrant veggies, and nutrient-rich beans makes this dish a complete package. Plus, it's super customizable! I can dial up the spicy salsa or add creamy avocado, depending on my mood. Whether you're meal prepping or serving up a last-minute dinner, this flavorful bowl is a delightful way to enjoy all the comfort of a burrito without the hassle of wrapping it up. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this recipe!

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:23:34.994Z

During one of my busy weeks, I needed a quick yet filling dinner, and that’s when I came up with the High Protein Beef Burrito Bowl. I wanted something that delivered on flavor and nutrition with minimal hassle. By using ground beef and combining it with heaps of fresh veggies, I achieved just that. Each bowl has layers of flavors that blend beautifully, especially with a touch of lime.

Another thing I discovered is that letting the bowl sit for a few minutes after assembling allows the ingredients to meld together. This process enhances the overall taste. Using a combination of spices for the beef also adds depth—don’t skip out on the cumin and smoked paprika for a burst of flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with protein for a satisfying meal
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights

Transform Your Grain Base

While brown rice is a wholesome choice for this burrito bowl, you can experiment with other grains to enhance flavor and texture. Quinoa offers a nutty taste and a higher protein content, making it a great gluten-free option. Alternatively, cauliflower rice provides a low-carb alternative that adds a light, refreshing crunch to your bowl. Whichever grain you choose, be sure to cook it according to package instructions until tender but slightly firm to the bite, creating a satisfying base for the rest of your ingredients.

Don't forget about seasoning your rice! While cooking, add a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice to infuse it with flavor. This small addition can elevate the overall dish and create a harmonious balance with the seasoned beef and fresh veggies. I often add some taco seasoning directly to my rice for an extra boost, perfectly complementing the burrito bowl’s southwestern flair.

Perfecting the Beef

For maximum flavor, opt for grass-fed ground beef if possible; it tends to have a richer taste and healthier fat profile. When cooking, ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the beef. This helps to achieve a nice sear, creating that lovely browned edge which contributes to the dish's depth. Monitor the heat carefully, as you want to avoid steaming the beef—aim for medium heat and stir occasionally to break up the meat and ensure even cooking.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste—a hint of cayenne can add a spicy kick if you prefer more heat. If the beef begins to look dry while cooking, incorporate a splash of beef broth or water to maintain juiciness. Remember, a little simmering can help the seasonings meld beautifully with the meat, enhancing the overall richness of the burrito bowl.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful burrito bowl:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, diced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Feel free to add any additional toppings you enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your bowl:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Prepare Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft but still vibrant.

Assemble the Bowls

In each serving bowl, layer cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, sautéed beef and vegetables. Top with slices of avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve

Finish with a squeeze of lime juice over the top and enjoy your High Protein Beef Burrito Bowl!

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious burrito bowl!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in spices before cooking. You can also swap out the beef for ground turkey for a healthier option.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes are fantastic additions that can create new dimensions of flavor. If you're looking for heat, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce during the sautéing step to make it interesting. Just remember to keep the proportions balanced to maintain the overall integrity of the dish.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of chipotle powder or cayenne to the beef. These spices can deepen the smoky flavor profile, making every bite more delightful. I enjoy creating a spicy garlic sauce that I drizzle on top before serving, using just minced garlic sautéed in olive oil, mixed with lime juice and a hint of honey for sweetness.

Meal Prep Considerations

This burrito bowl keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store the ingredients in separate containers to maintain the freshness of each component; this prevents the toppings from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the beef and rice mixture in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the moisture intact. Serve with fresh avocado and cilantro for the best flavor.

If you're looking to make multiple servings at once, simply double the recipe. Making larger batches of the seasoned beef and beans ensures you always have a quick meal ready. Just remember that the grains may need to be adjusted slightly in cooking time and liquid. Cook in bulk, and you’ll have delicious burrito bowls ready for busy weeknights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with grilled vegetables or crumbled tofu.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ What other toppings work well?

You can add cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or salsa for extra flavor!

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the bowls before adding fresh toppings. Just reheat before serving.