Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe features taco-spiced beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce that ties it all together.

Beef Burrito Bowl with rice, avocado, red onions, and cilantro.

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Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

Burrito bowls are such a fun way to mix flavors and textures, and they’re perfect for prepping ahead for quick meals throughout the week.

I usually stick with my chicken burrito bowl or a meatless sweet potato version, but I decided to switch it up and make a bowl with my favorite taco-seasoned ground beef.

Roasted sweet potatoes are a must—they go so well with the beef. Top it all off with a big drizzle of cilantro-lime sauce, and this bowl is an absolute game-changer!

Sauté onions with oil, brown the meat, then add seasonings and garlic.

Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe Ingredients

The beef in these burrito bowls is kept simple since a lot is going on in this recipe. Want to mix it up? Add homemade taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or your favorite toppings!

  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the beef and onions.
  • Yellow onion: Dice small for quicker cooking and a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Ground beef: Use 93/7 for balance—too lean can taste bland.
  • Chicken broth or water: Keeps the beef moist and adds flavor.
  • Taco seasoning: A packet works or try homemade for more flavor.
  • Tomato paste: Makes the beef thicker and adds a rich flavor.
  • Garlic: Jarred garlic is quickest here!
Roast sweet potatoes and make pickled red onions for this beef burrito bowl recipe.

Burrito Bowl Additions

These are my favorite toppings for this beef burrito bowl recipe, but feel free to mix and match or skip anything you don’t love!

  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Adds a touch of sweetness and great texture.
  • Rice: White or cilantro-lime rice works perfectly. Try cauliflower rice for fewer carbs.
  • Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Drizzle for a creamy texture and tons of flavor!
  • Pickled Red Onions: Quick and easy to make!
  • Black Beans: Use canned for ease or make your own.
  • Creamy Toppings: Add avocado for richness or sour cream if skipping the sauce.
  • Lime: Squeeze over for a fresh, citrusy finish.
  • Other Ideas: Corn, sautéed peppers, guacamole, pico de gallo, or cheese.
Mix the green cilantro lime sauce together in a food processor.

Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe Tips

  • Sweet Potatoes: Cut into small, even pieces for quick, even cooking. Spread out on the pan for crisp edges.
  • Brown the Beef: Let the beef sit and sear before breaking it up for better browning.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beef and add more seasoning if needed.
  • Warm Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas if you want to turn it into a wrap.
  • Add Spice: Toss in jalapeños or drizzle on hot sauce for extra heat.
Beef burrito bowl recipe with cilantro lime sauce drizzled over it.

Storage

Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe Meal Prepping

Store leftovers in separate containers: beef, sweet potatoes, rice, and toppings. Reheat the beef, rice, and sweet potatoes in a skillet or the microwave. Add toppings like avocado and sauce right before eating.

More Ground Beef Recipes:

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Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

By Chelsea Lords
Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe combines taco-seasoned beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a rich cilantro-lime sauce for the perfect burrito bowl.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Sheet pan

Ingredients 
 

Beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning see note 1
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Optional)

  • 6 cups diced sweet potatoes 2 large potatoes
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Burrito Bowl Additions

Instructions 

  • Rice: If making rice, start here. Follow the white or cilantro-lime rice recipe linked above for detailed instructions.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Add 1/2-inch peeled and dice sweet potatoes to a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (I use 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Toss well to coat. Spread in a single layer and roast until tender, about 30 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes.
  • Beef: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until golden. Push onions to the edges of the skillet. Add ground beef to the center, sear, crumble, and brown the beef, cooking until the liquid is absorbed into the beef. Stir in chicken broth or water, taco seasoning, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes), then remove from heat. Optional: Stir through well-drained black beans to warm.
  • Assemble: Divide cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and the prepared beef mixture. Add your favorite toppings (see note 2). Drizzle with cilantro-lime sauce if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Or make your own using this taco seasoning recipe!
Note 2: Toppings: 1 can black beans (drain, rinse, and toss with beef to warm through), quick pickled red onions, lime, and avocado are my favorite burrito bowl additions. Other ideas: freshly shredded cheese, pico de Gallo or diced tomatoes, corn, sautéed peppers, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Nutrition: The nutrition facts only include the beef and sweet potatoes, and not the optional toppings and rice.
Storage: Store leftovers in separate containers: beef, sweet potatoes, rice, and toppings. Reheat the beef, rice, and sweet potatoes in a skillet or the microwave. Add toppings like avocado and sauce right before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 28.9g | Fat: 7.2g | Cholesterol: 68.1mg | Sodium: 302.1mg | Fiber: 7.1g | Sugar: 10.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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