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

When dinner needs to be fast, filling, and packed with flavor, one-pot ground beef burrito bowls are the ultimate solution. This recipe brings everything you love about burritos—seasoned beef, fluffy rice, beans, corn, and melty cheese—into one skillet, cooked together in just 30 minutes.

No wrapping tortillas. No pile of dirty dishes. Just bold Tex-Mex flavor in a cozy bowl that satisfies the whole family.

This is the kind of meal you turn to on busy weeknights, hectic school evenings, or whenever you want comfort food without the effort. Everything cooks in one pot, meaning the rice absorbs all those savory beefy, tomato-rich, spiced flavors as it simmers. The result? Deeply flavorful burrito bowls with minimal cleanup.

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Why This One-Pot Burrito Bowl Works So Well

This recipe isn’t just quick—it’s smart. Cooking everything together allows flavors to build naturally while keeping the process simple.

Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Made in one pot (hello, easy cleanup)
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• Customizable for picky eaters
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

It’s hearty, comforting, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand.

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What Makes One-Pot Burrito Bowls Better Than Takeout

Takeout burrito bowls can be expensive, inconsistent, and often overly salty. Making them at home gives you full control over seasoning, portion size, and ingredients—without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, this version skips extra oils and fillers. You get protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl, making it a complete meal that actually keeps you full.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Onion & Garlic
   Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Season
   Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat evenly.
4. Add Rice & Liquids
   Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and salsa. Mix thoroughly.
5. Simmer
   Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Add Beans & Corn
   Gently fold in black beans and corn. Cover and cook for another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
7. Add Cheese
   Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.
8. Serve
   Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

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Pro Tips for the Best Burrito Bowls

• Use long-grain rice for best texture
• Keep heat low while simmering to avoid burning
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving
• Add a splash of broth if rice needs more moisture
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning

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Easy Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot salsa
• Healthy: Use brown rice (increase liquid & cook time)
• Low-Carb: Skip rice and add cauliflower rice at the end
• Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground chicken
• Vegetarian: Use lentils or plant-based crumbles

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Serving Suggestions

These burrito bowls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with:

• Tortilla chips
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh fruit
• Cornbread or dinner rolls

They’re also great served buffet-style for family dinners.

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Meal Prep & Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.

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Why Families Love This Recipe

Kids love the cheesy, mild flavors. Adults appreciate the speed and bold seasoning. And everyone loves only having one pot to clean.

This dish is forgiving, flexible, and consistently delicious—exactly what a weeknight dinner should be.

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Fun Burrito Bowl Fact

Burrito bowls became popular as a gluten-free, fork-friendly alternative to traditional burritos—keeping all the flavor without the wrap.

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Final Thoughts

One-pot ground beef burrito bowls (30-minute dinner) check every box: fast, flavorful, filling, and family-approved. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again when time is short but hunger is big.