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High Protein Beef Burrito Protein Bowls - A Satisfying, Meal-Prep Friendly Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–96% lean works well)
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine) or 4 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded romaine or mixed greens
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional but brightens it up)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Cook the base: Prepare rice according to package directions. For cauliflower rice, sauté in a nonstick pan with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust acidity or heat as needed. Chill until serving.
  3. Season the beef: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add spices: Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef and pour in the water or broth. Stir and simmer 1–2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and coats the meat.
  6. Warm the beans and corn: In a small saucepan or the microwave, warm the black beans and corn with a pinch of salt. This keeps the bowls hot and satisfying.
  7. Prep the veggies: Dice bell pepper and onion, halve tomatoes, slice avocado, and chop cilantro. Shred lettuce.
  8. Assemble: Add a scoop of rice (or cauliflower rice) to each bowl. Top with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and lettuce.
  9. Finish with toppings: Add avocado, a sprinkle of cheese if using, and a generous spoonful of lime-yogurt sauce. Garnish with cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime.
  10. Serve: Taste and finish with a pinch of salt or hot sauce if you want a little more kick.