Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Beef and Black Bean Power Bowl


  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: High Protein, Gluten-Free (if all ingredients are certified GF)

Description

This Beef and Black Bean Power Bowl is a hearty, protein-packed meal that comes together fast and keeps you full for hours. Lean ground beef, fiber-rich black beans, nutty brown rice, and colorful veggies are layered into a vibrant bowl, then brightened with fresh cilantro and lime. It’s a balanced, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice (warm or room temperature)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly in the spices.
  4. Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pepper softens but still has a slight bite.
  5. Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through and flavors are combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked brown rice among 4 serving bowls.
  7. Spoon the hot beef and black bean mixture over the rice in each bowl.
  8. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% or 93%) to keep the bowl lighter while still satisfying.
  • If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first; it will heat through in the skillet.
  • You can cook the brown rice ahead of time and reheat it, or use microwaveable brown rice to save time.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or reducing the chili powder for a milder bowl.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
  • Sugar: 5 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 520 mg (approx., will vary with salt and canned ingredients)
  • Fat: 18 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 9 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 28 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg (approx.)

Keywords: beef and black bean bowl, power bowl, high protein dinner, easy weeknight meal, meal prep, brown rice bowl