Burrito Bowls

Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl

Name: Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch (5cm) pieces; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (475ml) beef broth; 1 can (15oz/425g) diced tomatoes; 1 cup (115g) cooked pinto beans; 2 tablespoons olive oil

By Opal Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves4

As a second-generation Mexican-American, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors and aromas of my family's traditional cooking. One of my favorite dishes that never fails to transport me back to my childhood is the humble Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl. This hearty, comforting bowl is more than just a meal - it's a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, and the love that goes into preparing it.

In this recipe, I'll share with you my secrets for creating the perfect Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl, from the tender, slow-cooked beef to the creamy, flavorful beans, and all the delicious toppings in between. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, and a favorite among your family and friends.

So, let's get started on this culinary journey, and explore the flavors and techniques that make this dish truly special. With a little patience, love, and practice, you'll be creating your own authentic Beef And Bean Burrito Bowls that will leave everyone wanting more.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, and make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. Whether you're in the mood for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or a more leisurely weekend meal, this recipe has got you covered.

In my family, we always say that the key to a great meal is the love and care that goes into preparing it. With this recipe, you'll be able to taste the love in every bite, and share that love with the people you care about most.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to feed a crowd, and can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference
The slow-cooked beef and beans are tender and flavorful, and the toppings add a fresh and delicious contrast
It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion
You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and is a nutritious and healthy option for the whole family

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl is in the layers of flavor that are built into the dish. From the rich, meaty flavor of the beef to the creamy texture of the beans, every component works together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

One of the most important techniques in this recipe is the use of dry-heat charring to add depth and complexity to the ingredients. By charring the onions, garlic, and chiles, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and add a smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Another crucial element is the use of toasted spices and chiles to add warmth and depth to the dish. By toasting the cumin, coriander, and chiles, we're able to release their essential oils and create a fragrant, aromatic flavor that permeates every bite.

Finally, the use of slow-cooked beans and beef allows us to break down the connective tissues and create a tender, fall-apart texture that's just perfect for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use high-quality, fresh ingredients that are full of flavor and texture. Here are some tips for shopping for the ingredients you'll need:

Look for beef that's labeled as 'chuck' or 'brisket', as these cuts are perfect for slow-cooking and will become tender and flavorful with minimal effort. For the beans, you can use either pinto or black beans, or a combination of both. Just be sure to rinse them well and pick out any debris or stones before cooking.

1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch (5cm) piecesLook for beef that's labeled as 'chuck' or 'brisket', as these cuts are perfect for slow-cooking and will become tender and flavorful with minimal effort.
1 large onion, dicedYou can use either a yellow or white onion, but be sure to dice it finely so that it cooks evenly and adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the dish and adds a deep, rich flavor to the beef and beans.
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seededAncho chiles have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and beans. You can find them at most Mexican markets or online.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a staple spice in Mexican cooking, and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Be sure to toast it lightly before adding it to the recipe to bring out its full flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the beef and beans. You can find it at most spice stores or online.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt that's free of additives and has a clean, crisp flavor. You can adjust the amount to taste, but be sure to add it in small increments so that you don't over-salt the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential for adding a bright, peppery flavor to the dish. Be sure to grind it just before adding it to the recipe to ensure maximum flavor.
2 cups (475ml) beef brothUse a high-quality beef broth that's low in sodium and has a rich, meaty flavor. You can make your own broth from scratch, or use a store-bought variety.
1 can (15oz/425g) diced tomatoesDiced tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the richness of the beef and beans. Look for a variety that's labeled as 'no salt added' to avoid adding extra sodium to the dish.
1 cup (115g) cooked pinto beansYou can use either pinto or black beans, or a combination of both. Just be sure to rinse them well and pick out any debris or stones before cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth, velvety texture. You can use it to cook the onions and garlic, and to add a finishing touch to the dish before serving.

Ingredients for Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight-fitting lidSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl

1
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot, but not smoking.
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until it's fragrant and lightly browned.
4
Add the beef to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the ancho chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
6
Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and cooked pinto beans to the pot, and stir to combine.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, about 2-3 hours.
8
Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot and stir to combine.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve the beef and bean mixture hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
10
To assemble the burrito bowls, divide the beef and bean mixture among four to six bowls, then top with your desired toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality beef broth that's low in sodium to avoid adding extra salt to the dish.
Don't overcook the beef - it should be tender and fall-apart, but still retain some texture.
Use a variety of toppings to add texture and flavor to the dish - some ideas include diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
Consider making the beef and bean mixture ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it for later - it's a great way to save time and have a delicious meal ready to go.
Experiment with different types of chiles or spices to add more heat or flavor to the dish.
Serve the burrito bowls with a side of warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or Mexican rice to round out the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the beef properly, which can result in a tough or flavorless texture.
Not cooking the onions and garlic long enough, which can result in a raw or bitter flavor.
Not using enough liquid in the pot, which can result in a dry or overcooked texture.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland or uninspired flavor.
Not letting the dish rest long enough before serving, which can result in a messy or unappetizing presentation.
Not using fresh or high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster or unappetizing flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a change of pace.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the pot for a smoky, savory flavor.
Use different types of chiles or spices to add more heat or flavor to the dish.
Serve the burrito bowls with a fried or poached egg on top for added protein and richness.
Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or feta, for a tangy, salty flavor.

What to Serve With Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl

The Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl is a versatile and delicious meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Consider serving it with a side of warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or Mexican rice to round out the meal. You could also add some diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa to the top of the bowl for added flavor and texture.

Some other ideas for serving the burrito bowls include adding some diced grilled chicken or steak, or using different types of beans or cheese. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Warm tortillasTortilla chipsMexican riceRoasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrotsDiced tomatoesShredded cheeseDiced avocadoSour creamSalsa

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl is a great meal to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later. To refrigerate, simply cool the mixture to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To freeze, cool the mixture to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating the burrito bowls include using a low heat and stirring constantly to avoid burning or sticking. You could also add some extra liquid, such as beef broth or water, to the pot to help rehydrate the mixture and add moisture.

In addition to refrigerating or freezing the burrito bowls, you could also consider making individual portions and storing them in airtight containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Simply reheat the mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop, then serve it in a bowl with your desired toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for the Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl?

The best type of beef for the Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl is a tough, flavorful cut, such as chuck or brisket. These cuts are perfect for slow-cooking and will become tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

Can I use different types of beans in the recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of beans in the recipe, such as black beans or kidney beans. Just be sure to rinse them well and pick out any debris or stones before cooking.

How do I know when the beef is cooked?

The beef is cooked when it's tender and falls apart easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature of the beef, which should be at least 160°F (71°C) for medium-rare and 170°F (77°C) for medium.

Can I make the recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. Simply cool the mixture to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

What are some good toppings for the burrito bowls?

Some good toppings for the burrito bowls include diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and salsa. You could also add some diced grilled chicken or steak, or use different types of beans or cheese.

Can I serve the burrito bowls with a side dish?

Yes, you can serve the burrito bowls with a side dish, such as warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or Mexican rice. You could also add some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

How do I reheat the burrito bowls?

To reheat the burrito bowls, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they're hot and steaming. You could also add some extra liquid, such as beef broth or water, to the pot to help rehydrate the mixture and add moisture.

Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers or zucchini, using different types of beans or cheese, or adding some diced ham or bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.

The Full Recipe

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