Go Back
Easy Kosher Beef Burrito Bowls With Cilantro Rice - Mexican-inspired recipe
I've been making these beef burrito bowls for years now, and they've become my go-to dinner when I want something filling but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy cilantro rice, and fresh toppings hits all the right notes without any of the fuss. What I love about burrito bowls is how customizable they are. You can prep all the components ahead of time, then everyone builds their own bowl exactly how they like it. The kids load up on rice and cheese, while the adults pile on the vegetables and hot sauce. It works for everyone, and cleanup is minimal since you're not assembling individual burritos. The key to making these bowls really shine is getting the seasoning right on the beef. I use a simple blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder that gives the meat a warm, slightly smoky flavor. Don't skip the step of letting the beef get a little crispy in the pan. Those browned bits add so much more flavor than just stirring it around constantly. For the cilantro rice, I learned from my Mexican friend Maria to add the cilantro at the very end, off the heat, so it stays bright green and doesn't get mushy. These bowls are perfect for busy weeknights because most of the work is just chopping vegetables and letting things simmer. I usually serve them with some warm pita or flatbread on the side, and a simple green salad if I'm feeling ambitious. The leftovers reheat beautifully too, which means lunch is sorted for the next day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cilantro Rice
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 2¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth kosher certified
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
For the Seasoned Beef
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend, kosher
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
For Assembly
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups lettuce chopped romaine
  • 2 large tomatoes diced
  • 1 large avocado diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños optional
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Method
 

Make the Cilantro Rice
  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  2. Add broth and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro.
Prepare the Seasoned Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, letting some pieces get crispy.
  4. Add cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add drained diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide cilantro rice among 6 serving bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with seasoned beef, black beans, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
  3. Serve with pickled jalapeños and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

The rice and beef can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. For a spicier version, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper with the other spices. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 485
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Sodium 780mg 34%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 28g 56%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.