If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and vibrant colors, then this Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with seasoned ground beef, wholesome rice, beans, and a medley of fresh toppings, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for any night of the week.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
All-in-One Convenience: This recipe combines protein, grains, and veggies in a single pressure cooker meal to save you time without sacrificing taste.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of taco seasoning, salsa, and toppings delivers bold, zesty flavors that everyone loves.
Flexible and Customizable: Switch up the toppings or use chicken as an alternative – it’s versatile enough to suit your cravings.
Great for Meal Prep: Making a big batch means you have tasty leftovers ready for lunch or easy dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully for both taste and texture. Each one plays a role, from the savory ground beef and smoky taco seasoning to the creamy avocado that crowns the dish, creating a harmony of flavors you’ll want again and again.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference for richness versus fat content.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture. White or red onions can be used alternatively.
- Taco Seasoning: Provides that classic Mexican-inspired spice blend—consider making your own if you like it extra fresh.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor during cooking; vegetable broth works great for a lighter option.
- Black Beans and Corn: For both protein and color contrast, canned and drained to keep prep quick.
- Medium Salsa: Infuses the dish with tang and a little heat; mild salsa works if you prefer less spice.
- Brown or Jasmine Rice: Both cook well under pressure – brown rice brings nuttiness, jasmine adds fragrance.
- Toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, tortilla chips & sour cream: These elevate the bowl with creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements.
How to Make Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in your pressure cooker using the sauté function. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and deliciously crumbly—don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a tidy finish. Then toss in the diced yellow onions, letting them soften just for a minute or two to bring out their sweetness alongside that beefy goodness.
Step 2: Season and Simmer the Beef Mixture
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onions, then pour in one cup of chicken broth. Stir everything together, allowing it to simmer briefly so the seasoning really melds with the meat while adding a bit of moisture that’ll keep the beef tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, Salsa, and Rice
Gently stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa until they are evenly combined with the beef. Next, carefully add the rice on top without stirring it in—this helps the rice cook perfectly. Pour the remaining half cup of chicken broth over the rice to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors underneath.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the lid on your pressure cooker and set the vent to “Sealing.” Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on HIGH for 15 minutes. It usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes for the pot to reach pressure, then the 15-minute countdown will begin. When finished, perform a quick release of the pressure to keep your ingredients bright and fresh.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the pressure is released, lift the lid and stir everything together to blend those layers into one harmonious bowl of deliciousness. Serve hot, topped with your favorite shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, and a dollop of cooling sour cream.
How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to personalize your burrito bowl adventure. Fresh avocado slices add creamy richness, diced tomatoes bring bright juiciness, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips give that satisfying snap. Don’t forget a sprinkle of shredded cheese to melt slightly on top, and a cool dollop of sour cream to balance the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
If you want a little something extra on the side, consider a lively mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or simple grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. A side of warm tortillas can also transform this bowl into a fun handheld meal, giving everyone the chance to customize their bites even further.
Creative Ways to Present
To jazz things up, serve your burrito bowls in individual mason jars layered with all the ingredients, perfect for casual dinners or meal prep lunches. Alternatively, line a shallow serving dish with colorful tortilla chips underneath your burrito mixture for a scooping fiesta that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep any fresh toppings separate to preserve their texture and brightness when you’re ready to serve them again.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze the cooked beef and rice mixture (before adding fresh toppings) in portioned containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your burrito bowl mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water will help keep the rice fluffy. Then top freshly with your preferred garnishes for that just-made feel.
FAQs
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Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just adjust cooking times slightly and seasoning as needed.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check that your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free. All the main ingredients naturally are, making this a safe and delicious option.
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What type of rice is best for this burrito bowl?
Brown rice adds a hearty, nutty flavor, but jasmine rice offers a fragrant, lighter texture — both work great depending on your preference.
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How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try using a spicy salsa or add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking to kick up the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes — comforting, flavorful, and easy to throw together any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every delicious bite with family or friends. So grab your ingredients and get ready for a bowl full of happiness!
Print
Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice and Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This flavorful and hearty Burrito Bowls recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, salsa, and rice all cooked together in an Instant Pot for a convenient one-pot meal. Topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheese, tomatoes, tortilla chips, and sour cream, it perfectly captures the essence of a classic burrito without the tortilla, making it a satisfying and easy dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn (15 ounces), drained
- 1 jar medium salsa (16 ounces)
- 1 cup brown rice or jasmine rice
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown beef: Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onions to the browned beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Add seasoning and broth: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1 cup of chicken broth. Let simmer for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Add beans, corn, and salsa: Stir in the drained black beans, corn, and the jar of medium salsa until well combined.
- Layer rice: Spread the rice evenly over the top of the mixture in the pot but do NOT stir it in.
- Add remaining broth: Pour the remaining ½ cup chicken broth evenly over the rice layer.
- Pressure cook: Cover the Instant Pot lid and ensure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on HIGH for 15 minutes. The pot will take 10-12 minutes to build pressure before the cooking timer starts.
- Release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the vent to “Venting” to release steam.
- Mix and serve: Open the lid, stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine. Serve the burrito bowls topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, tortilla chips, and sour cream as desired.
Notes
- CHICKEN OR GROUND BEEF: Ground beef is used here, but you can also substitute 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts for a leaner version.
- BURRITO BOWL TOPPINGS: Feel free to customize toppings such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cool sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
