Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl

Name: Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); 1 avocado, diced (optional); Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Delights

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl because it's the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. The combination of seasoned ground beef, nutrient-rich black beans, and fluffy rice creates a dish that's satisfying and comforting. Plus, I can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. I enjoy personalizing mine with whatever toppings I have on hand, so it's never the same twice, which keeps it exciting!

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2026-02-16T03:37:36.346Z

When I first decided to make this Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl, I wanted something that was both quick and packed with flavor. I experimented with different seasonings for the beef, and quickly discovered that a mix of cumin and chili powder creates a warmth that elevates the dish tremendously. Not only does it taste great, but the blend of protein from the beef and beans keeps me feeling full and satisfied for hours.

I also play around with garnishes. There’s something so wonderful about fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime that brightens it all up. I typically top my bowls with shredded cheese and diced avocado, which just adds that extra layer of deliciousness. This recipe has become a household favorite, and I love that it’s so adaptable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory ground beef spiced to perfection
Protein-packed black beans for an energy boost
Customizable toppings to suit every taste

Perfecting Your Rice

Using the right type of rice can greatly enhance the texture of your Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl. I recommend using long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for a fluffy finish. When cooking the rice, ensure you use a ratio of 1 part rice to 2 parts water, and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped.

If you want to save time, consider using pre-cooked rice or microwaveable packets. However, if you’re preparing a larger batch, consider cooking the rice in a rice cooker. This allows it to cook evenly while you focus on browning the beef and preparing the black bean mixture.

Optimizing Your Beef and Beans

The key to a flavorful beef and black bean mixture is in how you season it. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small pieces, achieving that nice browned effect. This process takes about 7-10 minutes. Draining excess fat is crucial to prevent a greasy dish; however, retaining a little fat can help the seasonings stick better, amplifying the overall flavor.

If you're seeking a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef. Both can offer a lighter alternative while still contributing great protein. For added texture and nutrition, feel free to mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini along with the onions while cooking the meat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup uncooked rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1 avocado, diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish (optional)

Make sure you have everything ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Ground Beef And Black Bean Rice Bowl:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside once done.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Beans and Seasoning

Stir in the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.

Assemble the Bowls

In bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the beef and bean mixture. Top with cheese, diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this base recipe with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Black Bean Rice Bowl is a great dish for meal prepping. You can cook the beef and black bean mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just keep the rice separate until you're ready to serve for the best texture. Additionally, this mixture can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in a skillet until bubbling.

For those who love meal variety, consider making extra batches of the beef-bean mix to use in tacos or on nachos throughout the week. This versatility keeps your meals exciting while saving time and effort in the kitchen. Just ensure you adjust any toppings so they complement the new presentation.

Flavor Variations and Additions

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Slicing jalapeños, adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or drizzling some salsa can elevate your bowl to new heights. Additionally, swapping the cilantro for green onions can provide a different flavor profile, especially if you're looking for a milder herb.

For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, which will absorb the spices beautifully. Adding fresh corn or diced tomatoes can also brighten the dish and introduce some sweetness. Just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly to ensure all components meld harmoniously.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and is a leaner alternative.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with extra beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and bean mixture in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some tortilla chips on the side!