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Flavor-Packed Easy Ground Beef Bowl

easy ground beef bowl - featured image

A quick, hearty, and flavorful ground beef bowl perfect for busy weeknights, combining bold spices with fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • Juice of half a lime
  • A handful of chopped cilantro
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crunchy tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups (370 g) dry rice or quinoa according to package instructions (about 15–20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  3. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add ground beef, crumble and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown. Drain excess fat if desired.
  6. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes to toast the spices.
  7. Turn off heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  8. Assemble bowls by scooping cooked rice or quinoa into bowls and topping with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
  9. Add optional toppings such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeño slices, or crunchy tortilla strips.

Notes

Keep heat moderate while cooking beef to avoid drying out or burning spices. Drain excess fat to balance flavor and avoid greasiness. Add fresh lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. Work in batches if skillet is small to ensure proper browning. Use leftover grains to reduce waste. Store toppings separately if preparing in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef bowl, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, flavorful ground beef, healthy bowl, simple ingredients