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
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly in the spices.
- 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.
- 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.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked brown rice among 4 serving bowls.
- Spoon the hot beef and black bean mixture over the rice in each bowl.
- 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