One-Pot Ground Beef Burrito Bowls (30-Minute Dinner)

If you love bold Mexican-inspired flavors but hate washing dishes, One-Pot Ground Beef Burrito Bowls are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers everything you crave in a classic burrito—savory seasoned beef, tender rice, beans, corn, and tomatoes—but without tortillas, rolling, or extra pans. Everything cooks together in one pot, soaking up flavor and saving you time.

Designed for busy nights, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. It is hearty, customizable, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead of time. Whether you are new to one-pot meals or already a fan, this burrito bowl recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and practical cooking.

Why One-Pot Burrito Bowls Are a Weeknight Win

One-pot meals have become wildly popular, and for good reason. Cooking everything in a single pot allows flavors to layer naturally while keeping cleanup minimal. In this recipe, the rice cooks directly in seasoned broth alongside the beef and vegetables, absorbing spices and juices instead of tasting plain or dry.

Ground beef is also an ideal protein for quick dinners. It browns fast, takes on seasoning beautifully, and is widely available. Paired with pantry staples like canned beans, corn, and tomatoes, this recipe is accessible even when grocery shopping options are limited.

Another reason these burrito bowls shine is flexibility. You can serve them as-is, top them with your favorite garnishes, or adapt them to different dietary needs without changing the core cooking method.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (lean works best)
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Beef broth or chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until spices are aromatic.
5. Add uncooked rice and stir well to coat it in the seasoned beef mixture.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Stir in black beans and corn. Cover again and cook for 3–5 more minutes until heated through.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

Flavor Tips for the Best Burrito Bowls

• Toasting the rice briefly in the beef and spices before adding liquid enhances flavor and prevents mushy texture.
• Using broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the rice.
• Letting the dish rest before serving allows excess moisture to absorb evenly.

Easy Variations to Try

Spicy Burrito Bowls
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A drizzle of hot sauce at the end works well too.

Cheesy Burrito Bowls
Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack after cooking and cover for a minute until melted.

Healthy Burrito Bowls
Swap white rice for brown rice (increase liquid and cooking time slightly) and use extra-lean beef or ground turkey.

Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and extra beans. Use vegetable broth for cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these one-pot burrito bowls on their own or topped with sour cream, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or salsa. They also pair beautifully with tortilla chips or a simple green salad.

For meal prep, portion into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Cultural Inspiration Behind Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls are inspired by traditional Mexican burritos but adapted for modern lifestyles. By removing the tortilla, the focus shifts to the filling itself, allowing spices, textures, and toppings to shine. This style has become especially popular for quick lunches, customizable dinners, and health-conscious meals.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Ground Beef Burrito Bowls prove that comfort food does not have to be complicated. With minimal prep, bold flavors, and easy cleanup, this recipe checks every box for busy home cooks. Whether you are feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

One-Pot Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

A quick and flavorful one-pot burrito bowl made with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Main Dish

• 1 lb ground beef lean
• 1 cup white rice uncooked
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in spices and garlic.
4. Add rice, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer covered until rice is tender.
5. Stir in beans and corn. Cook until heated through.

Notes

Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream.