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Easy Freezer-Friendly Beef and Bean Burrito Bowls

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A quick and easy freezer-friendly recipe featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, and rice, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. These burrito bowls maintain great texture and flavor even after freezing and reheating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked rice (about 400 g), white or brown
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups (about 400 g) of rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken sauce slightly.
  5. Rinse and drain 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans. Gently fold beans into the beef mixture and cook just long enough to warm through, about 2 minutes, avoiding vigorous stirring to keep beans intact.
  6. Divide cooked rice evenly into 4 freezer-safe containers. Top each with the beef and bean mixture. Let cool completely before sealing and freezing.
  7. Freeze assembled bowls for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Add fresh toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice after reheating.

Notes

Use day-old rice for better texture when freezing. Cool bowls completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Reheat gently in microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through. If beef mixture seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Double-check labels for gluten-free compliance.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef burrito bowl, freezer-friendly meals, meal prep, quick dinner, black beans, ground beef, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-freezer-friendly-beef-and-bean-burrito-bowls-recipe-for-quick-meals/