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Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

A quick and customizable Tex-Mex dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup required.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 630

Ingredients
  

Bowl Base
  • 4 cups cooked white rice hot and fluffy
Seasoned Beef
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons
  • 1/2 cup water
Toppings
  • 1 cup black beans canned, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels canned drained or frozen thawed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot with lid
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook rice according to package directions until fluffy and tender. Keep hot until ready to assemble bowls.
  2. While rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles with a spatula.
  3. Cook beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely browned with no pink remaining.
  4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
  5. Return skillet to heat and sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef. Pour in water and stir to combine.
  6. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces into a thick sauce coating the beef. Add a splash more water if it looks too dry.
  7. While beef simmers, rinse and drain black beans. Drain or thaw corn kernels. Warm both briefly in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
  8. Chop fresh cilantro and prepare salsa.
  9. To assemble bowls, divide hot rice among four serving bowls as the base layer.
  10. Top each bowl with seasoned beef, black beans, and corn arranged in separate sections.
  11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the warm ingredients, allowing it to begin melting.
  12. Finish with salsa and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

  • Use leftover or microwaveable rice to reduce total time to 20 minutes
  • Store components separately for meal prep up to 4 days
  • Customize heat level with jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper
  • For lighter version, use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese
  • Add sautéed peppers and onions for extra vegetables