Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes? The Ground Beef Big Cal Bowl is your answer! This American classic combines savory ground beef with protein-packed quinoa, zesty black beans, and sweet corn, all topped with melted cheese for an irresistible finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Get ready to dive into a bowl of flavor that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out and having them ready. Drain and rinse the black beans if using canned beans.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula to create small, even crumbles.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ground beef. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the black beans and corn to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- While the beef mixture is heating, ensure the quinoa is already cooked and warm. If not, quickly reheat the quinoa in a separate pan or microwave.
- Divide the cooked quinoa between two serving bowls, creating an even base layer.
- Top the quinoa with the hot ground beef, bean, and corn mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each bowl. The residual heat will help melt the cheese slightly.
- Serve immediately while hot, and optionally garnish with additional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or hot sauce if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, measure and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Choose Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in your dish. This will help keep the bowl healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the chili powder! Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add other spices like cumin or paprika for an extra flavor kick.
- Heat the Quinoa: Make sure your quinoa is warm before serving. You can quickly reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop while you prepare the beef mixture.
- Garnish for Flavor: Enhance your bowl with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions can elevate the dish and add a fresh touch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store individual servings in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even swapping quinoa for rice for a different twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
