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Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls

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I love the fresh, fun flavours that Mexican-inspired recipes bring to my kitchen and I make them at least once a week. They give me holiday vibes, especially when teamed with a huge squeeze of lime and a side of margaritas! These Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls are like a fast version of what is known here in Australia as chilli con carne or chilli. These bowls are so quick and easy to make with the simplest of ingredients, yet are packed with flavour, in a rich, luscious sauce, served with all of your favourite Mexican sides.

Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls

This is the ultimate versatile Mexican beef recipe, perfect for piling on top of nachos, stuffing into burritos or tacos or serving over rice. You could also make this recipe completely vegetarian by swapping the minced (ground) beef for an additional two cans of black beans, kidney beans or mixed beans. If this isn’t already sounding amazing, you can also make this meal ahead of time, ready for when you need it, which in my opinion is the ultimate form of self-care when life gets busy!

Can I prepare my salad ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare your salad ingredients ahead of time by chopping them up and refrigerating them in an airtight container or reusable sandwich bag for up to 3 days. Tuck a sheet of paper towel into the container or bag to help absorb moisture and maximise freshness.  

Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls

What other vegetables or ingredients can I add to my Mexican Beef?

Try adding the following ingredients to the beef mixture: corn, finely diced capsicum (bell pepper), grilled zucchini (courgette), finely diced tomatoes. 

What other sides can I serve with Mexican Beef?

Corn, avocado cubes, shredded cabbage, shredded iceberg lettuce, quinoa, corn chips, sour cream, sweet potato mash or guacamole are all great options!

Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls

Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls

Author: Nicole
5 from 7 votes
“Another favorite not only for dinner but the leftovers make for an amazing lunch the next day. “
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A delicious, all-natural Mexican seasoning is what takes these Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls to another level! Super quick and easy to prepare, this meal will quickly become a weeknight dinner staple!
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

BEEF
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 500 g (1 lb) lean minced (ground) beef
  • 400 g (14 oz) canned black beans, kidney beans or mixed beans
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) water
TO SERVE
  • 370 g (2 cups) steamed rice
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 125 g (1 cup) grated cheddar
  • 150 g (1 cup) grape (baby roma/plum) tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

Instructions

  • Cook the onion and garlic – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the beef – Add the beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
  • Add the remaining ingredients – Add the kidney beans, spices, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Stir through the tomato paste followed immediately by the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook over medium–low heat, uncovered, for 12 minutes.
  • Stir some sauce through the rice – Add 1–2 tablespoons of the sauce to the rice and stir to combine so that the grains are coated (this step is optional but gives a lovely boost of flavour to the rice).
  • Mash the avocado – In a small bowl, mash the avocado roughly with a fork, add the lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Assemble and serve – Divide the rice among four bowls. Top with the Mexican beef, shredded cheese, a dollop of the mashed avocado, the grape tomatoes, fresh coriander, jalapeño slices and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Quick Mexican Beef Rice Bowls
Amount per Serving
Calories
797
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
41
g
63
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
20
g
Cholesterol
 
113
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
1562
mg
68
%
Potassium
 
1619
mg
46
%
Carbohydrates
 
64
g
21
%
Fiber
 
15
g
63
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
45
g
90
%
Vitamin A
 
1679
IU
34
%
Vitamin C
 
28
mg
34
%
Calcium
 
361
mg
36
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

This Quick Mexican Beef Bowl is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time, ready for when you need it. Refrigerate the beef mixture for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

LEFTOVERS

Store Mexican Beef Bowl leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course dinner, entrée, Main dish, rice bowl
Cuisine Mexican

  1. 5 stars
    One of my family favourites meals!

  2. 5 stars
    Delish. Will make again. Kids loved it. I replaced kidney beans with black beans & served with some corn chips on the side. Versatile mince dish, can be used in anything

    • Wonderful to hear, thank you so much! Nic x

  3. 5 stars
    Such a versatile recipe! The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of water but is not included in the instructions. I just add mine after I have added the crushed tomatoes… hope that’s right!

  4. 5 stars
    Delicious, quick dinner with lots of fresh flavours. Kids loved it too!

  5. 5 stars
    Easy and delish!

  6. 5 stars
    Another favorite not only for dinner but the leftovers make for an amazing lunch the next day. My favorite part about this dish is that the ground beef is more than just plain old ground beef that you’d cook for tacos– the spices along with the addition of tomato sauce/passata give it a bit of a chili flair that makes it so good for a rice bowl!

  7. 5 stars
    Super simple and delicious dish. Perfect for a summer night. Family loved it!

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.