Description
This Beef Bowl with Veggies and Pico de Gallo is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Ground beef is seasoned with aromatic spices and pan-cooked to perfection, then paired with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Served over a bed of rice and black beans, and topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, and optional sour cream or Greek yogurt, it offers a balanced and delicious bowl that’s easy to customize and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Sides
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season the Beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with the seasoned beef, sautéed veggies, and black beans. Follow with shredded lettuce and cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Add Pico de Gallo and Garnishes: Spoon a generous amount of pico de gallo over each bowl. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired, for creaminess. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges to brighten the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Adjust the level of chili powder if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- Use gluten-free certified spices to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
