Description
This easy ground beef bowl recipe features savory, spiced beef and fluffy cilantro lime rice, topped with a creamy, smoky chipotle crema. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a versatile, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 mL (2 teaspoons) chili powder
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) ground cumin
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) dried oregano
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) salt, plus more to taste
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper
- 200 g crushed tomatoes
- 200 g (1 cup) basmati rice, rinsed
- 360 mL (1.5 cups) water or vegetable broth
- 30 mL (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice, divided
- 30 g (0.25 cup) fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 400 g (15 oz) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 200 g (1 cup) frozen or canned corn, thawed or drained
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 240 mL (1 cup) full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, stemmed, seeded, and finely minced
- 15 mL (1 tablespoon) adobo sauce from chipotle can
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 15 mL (1 tablespoon) olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Cilantro Lime Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring rinsed rice and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in half of the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Prepare Ground Beef Filling: While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes), then stir in minced garlic and spices for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Filling: Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make Smoky Chipotle Crema: In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, remaining lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cilantro lime rice among four serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of seasoned ground beef, then add black beans, corn, and diced avocado. Drizzle generously with the Smoky Chipotle Crema and garnish with additional cilantro.
Notes
To meal prep, store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, then assemble and add fresh avocado upon serving. For customization, add salsa verde, shredded cheese, pickled onions, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 660 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Mexican, Bowl, Ground Beef, Chipotle Crema, Cilantro Lime Rice, Weeknight Dinner, Meal Prep, Easy Recipe, Spicy, Comfort Food