Beef Burrito Bowls with Avocado-Lime Crema
All the bold flavors of a burrito without the tortilla. Seasoned Ground Beef, sautéed peppers, beans, and rice piled over greens and topped with pico, queso, and a zesty avocado-lime crema. Ready in 35 minutes for an easy, hearty weeknight bowl.
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients: 19
Ingredients
Preparation
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Step 1
In a large skillet, cook beef over MEDIUM-HIGH heat until browned and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Cooking Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
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Step 2
Spray skillet with oil, add peppers and onions and continue cooking until golden brown and tender, 5-7 minutes more. Return beef to the skillet, stir in 2 Tbsp. lime juice, cilantro, ½ tsp. salt, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika; stir to combine.
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Step 3
Meanwhile, toss together beans and salsa in a small pot and warm over MEDIUM-LOW heat.
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Step 4
In a medium bowl, mash together half of the avocado with yogurt, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and ¼ tsp. salt, and 2 Tbsp. water to make an avocado crema.
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Step 5
Arrange romaine in four bowls. Spoon over the beef and pepper mixture, beans, rice, pico de gallo, and remaining diced avocado, and then scatter over the queso fresco. Serve with avocado crema to drizzle over the top.
Suggestions
Look for pico de gallo at the grocery store or make your own (3 roma tomatoes + ½ small onion + 1 jalapeño + 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro + lime and salt to taste). If you like, garnish this hearty salad bowl with lime wedges and sprigs of fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
560 Calories
7.6g SAT FAT
48g PROTEIN
7.9 mg IRON
10.1 mg ZINC
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet
The Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Also called ‘hamburger,’ is made by grinding beef cuts and beef trim. It works well in dishes that require crumbles, and typically any leanness of Ground Beef works well in dishes – just be sure to drain any remaining fat after cooking.
Bell Peppers: Named after the ‘bell’ shape they resemble, you may also see these called sweet peppers. They come in a variety of colors and lend a mild flavor and crisp texture to dishes.
Black Beans: A small legume with a meaty texture and sweet flavor. They are a staple in Latin American cuisine.
Greek-Style Yogurt: A nutrient-dense food with a creamy texture that’s made by straining whey out of yogurt, which makes it thicker and tangier compared to regular yogurt. It’s a great source of protein and calcium, and is recommended for gut health.
Brown Rice: Rice that retains its bran layer. Gives it a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Typically takes longer to cook.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips.
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can these be meal prepped ahead of time without everything getting soggy?
Yes! Store the components separately and don’t assemble the bowls until you are ready to eat.
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How do I stop the Avocado-Lime Crema from turning brown if made in advance?
The fresh lime juice in the recipe helps, but you can also press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the crema before sealing the container.
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What is the best lean-to-fat ratio to use for the Ground Beef in this recipe?
A 93% lean or 96% lean Ground Beef works best here. Using a leaner grind keeps the bowl feeling fresh and light.
So delicious
This sounds very good and healthy. I could serve this to my guys in the group home.
I will make this on Saturday! My guests will love it!!!
Let us know how it turns out!