Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl

Name: Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Highlighted under: Comfort Dish Collection

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl when I'm looking for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef, black beans, and rice provides a hearty base that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein. I enjoy customizing it with toppings like sour cream and avocado, making each bowl unique. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up ingredients I already have at home, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-02-16T06:57:35.757Z

When I first decided to make this Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl, I knew I wanted something full of flavor that wouldn't take too long. After a bit of experimenting, I found that simmering the beef with spices really helps to enhance the overall taste. I've even tried adding different veggies like bell peppers or corn, which brought in a lovely color and additional texture.

Serving it hot with fresh toppings like cilantro or salsa makes it a complete meal. Whenever I prepare this dish, I watch my family dig in, and it never fails to bring smiles to our dinner table. I highly recommend this recipe for busy weeknights!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory ground beef seasoned to perfection
Protein-rich black beans add heartiness
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

Perfecting Your Beef

The key to a great Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl lies in properly cooking the beef. As it browns in the skillet, break it apart with a spatula. You want it to achieve a nice, deep brown color, which contributes to a rich flavor profile when combined with the spices. A medium heat is ideal; too high can burn the meat while it remains raw inside. Aim for 7-10 minutes until you can see those lovely caramelized bits forming.

Once your beef is browned, draining the excess fat is critical to avoid a greasy dish. If you prefer a leaner option, opt for ground turkey or chicken. For a bit of extra moisture, consider using 90% lean ground beef, which still gives you richness without overwhelming the dish.

Building Layers of Flavor

When you add the onions and garlic, be attentive to their cooking time. You want them sautéed until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This step forms the base of your flavor. If you enjoy a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños during this stage, enhancing the depth of your dish with that spicy twist.

The combination of diced tomatoes with black beans is crucial for a balanced texture. Not only do they bring moisture, but they also thicken the mixture and add a slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef. Simmering everything together allows the flavors to meld beautifully; just let it bubble gently for 5-7 minutes.

Customizing Your Bowl

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it can be tailored to fit dietary needs or preferences. For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the ground beef for additional beans like kidney beans or lentils, making it just as hearty. Pairing different types of rice, such as brown rice or quinoa, adds nutrition and texture variations.

When serving, give a variety of topping options to your guests. I often prepare a toppings bar with diced avocados, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, inviting everyone to personalize their bowl. A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess, and you can even offer hot sauce for those who like it spicy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your meal:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables and Spices

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice at the bottom, followed by the beef and black bean mixture.

Add Toppings

Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add some diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warm before serving it on bed of freshly cooked rice.

If you want to store leftovers, consider keeping the rice separate from the beef and beans mixture to maintain the texture. The beef mixture can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to your liking for an easy meal during busy days.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl, consider pairing it with a side salad. A simple avocado salad with lime juice, or a fresh corn salsa can complement the hearty flavors nicely. Also, serving it with tortilla chips allows for a fun, crunchy contrast that’s delightful.

For a bit of a twist, try making it a burrito bowl! Serve it in a larger bowl and layer tortilla chips, cheese, and even a dollop of guacamole on top. This makes for a more indulgent meal while showcasing all the robust flavors of the ingredients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One issue you might encounter is the mixture becoming too dry. If this happens, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid excessive simmering, as the beans can get mushy if they're left too long.

Another common pitfall is over-seasoning the beef. Start with a smaller amount of salt and spices, tasting as you go. You can always add more, but it's challenging to correct an overly salty dish. Adjusting after each cooking step can help maintain that perfect balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and black bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, the beef and black bean mixture freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What if I don’t like black beans?

You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or any other variety you prefer!

→ Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level, but you can add more chili powder or hot sauce to cater to your heat preference.