Burrito Bowl with Minced Beef, Black Beans and Guacamole
Why this recipe works
- Warm and fresh contrast: The hot beef, beans and rice are balanced by cool guacamole, juicy pico de gallo and soured cream.
- Layered seasoning: Cumin, chilli powder, garlic and lime give the bowl savoury depth, gentle heat and a bright finish.
- Efficient cooking: The rice, salsa and guacamole can be prepared while the beef cooks, keeping the overall timing practical.
- Easy to adjust: Heat, acidity and toppings can all be changed at the end, making the bowl simple to adapt to taste.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Reduce the hot chilli powder or replace it with smoked paprika for warmth without much spice.
- For more heat: Add extra chilli powder to the beef mixture, tasting as you go so the spice stays balanced.
- Balance with freshness: A little extra lime juice, guacamole or soured cream helps soften the heat without dulling the flavour.
Make-ahead tips
- Store hot and cold elements apart: Keep the rice and beef-bean mixture separate from the guacamole, pico de gallo and soured cream for the best texture.
- Reheat gently: Warm the rice and beef mixture with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the fresh toppings just before serving.
- Assemble just before eating: Build the bowls at the last moment so the rice stays fluffy and the fresh toppings remain bright.
Ingredient notes
- Use ripe avocado: A ripe avocado should mash easily for guacamole; if it is too firm, the texture will be chunky rather than creamy.
- Use lime to sharpen the bowl: Taste the rice, salsa and beef mixture before serving, then add a little more lime if the bowl needs brightness.
- Check your chilli powder: Hot chilli powders vary in strength, so start cautiously if using a new brand and adjust after tasting.
Serving ideas
- Add crunch on the side: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping up the guacamole, salsa and seasoned beef.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Extra coriander and a squeeze of lime make the bowl taste fresher just before serving.
- Add a finishing sauce: A spoonful of hot sauce works well for anyone who wants a sharper, spicier finish.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice in salted boiling water until tender, 10–12 minutes. Drain well, then return to the pan off the heat. Finely zest the lime, squeeze in half the juice, and stir through with half the coriander.
- Make the pico de gallo: finely dice the red onion and tomatoes, then mix in a bowl with a pinch of salt, a little black pepper, and the remaining lime juice. Stir in a little of the remaining coriander and set aside to macerate while you cook the beef.
- Make the guacamole: mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in a pinch of salt, a little black pepper, and a little of the lime zest. Add a spoonful of the pico de gallo if you like, and keep the rest for serving.
- Finely chop the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the minced beef. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and any liquid has evaporated.
- Stir the ground cumin, hot chili powder, and a pinch of salt into the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the black beans and sweetcorn and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until hot throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Divide the coriander-lime rice between two bowls. Spoon over the spiced beef mixture, then add guacamole and pico de gallo. Finish each bowl with a spoon of sour cream and the remaining coriander.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For fluffier rice, let it stand covered off the heat for 5 minutes after draining, then fork through before serving.
- If you prefer a milder bowl, reduce the hot chili powder and add extra lime juice at the end for brightness.
- For food safety, if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised sour cream and keep the finished bowl out of the fridge for as short a time as possible.
Substitutions
- Replace Sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier finish.
- Replace Hot chili powder with Smoked paprika for warmth without as much heat.
- Replace Long-grain white rice with Brown rice, increasing the cooking time until tender.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the rice and beef-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the rice and beef in a saucepan with a splash of water over low heat until piping hot, and add the guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 40min (35min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
-
Allergens:
Milk
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Misen Carbon Steel Nonstick Frying Pan 12 Inch
- Works on all stovetops
- Naturally nonstick when seasoned
- Requires seasoning and maintenance
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids
- Microwave safe
- BPA-free lids
- Glass is heavier
All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan
- Excellent heat control
- Premium build quality
- Expensive
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Non-slip base
- Stainless steel
- Not microwave safe
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