Spicy Ground Beef Bowl with Pico de Gallo, Black Beans & Lime Crema Recipe

Spicy Ground Beef Bowl with Pico de Gallo, Black Beans & Lime Crema Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, look no further! This Spicy Ground Beef Bowl with Pico de Gallo, Black Beans, and Lime Crema is a satisfying dish that combines a zesty, spiced ground beef mixture with fresh pico de gallo, creamy black beans, and a tangy lime crema. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients:

For the Spicy Ground Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (to help the spices stick and create a flavorful sauce)

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, depending on heat preference)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Black Beans:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips for crunch

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
3. Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions with the spices. Add 1/4 cup beef broth or water and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Pico de Gallo

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Step 3: Prepare the Black Beans

1. Warm the Beans: In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat. Add cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir and heat for about 5 minutes, or until the beans are warmed through. You can mash the beans slightly with a fork if you prefer a creamier texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Lime Crema

1. Mix the Crema: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

1. Start with the Base: In each bowl, start by adding a generous scoop of the spicy ground beef mixture as the base.
2. Add Black Beans: Layer a scoop of the seasoned black beans on top of the ground beef.
3. Top with Pico de Gallo: Add a heaping spoonful of pico de gallo on top for freshness and flavor.
4. Drizzle with Lime Crema: Finish the bowl by drizzling the lime crema over the top for a tangy, creamy finish.
5. Optional Toppings: Add any additional toppings such as sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or extra cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top for an extra burst of citrus!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Spicy Ground Beef Bowl with warm tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.
• You can also serve this dish as part of a larger Mexican-inspired meal with sides like guacamole, corn salsa, or Mexican street corn.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.
• Heat Level: Adjust the heat level to your liking. For more spice, add extra jalapeños to the pico de gallo or use a hotter hot sauce in the ground beef.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep! The spicy ground beef, black beans, and pico de gallo can all be stored separately in the fridge for 3-4 days. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Ground Beef Bowl:

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spicy beef, creamy lime crema, fresh pico de gallo, and hearty black beans creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to prepare and takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add more heat, swap proteins, or top with your favorite toppings, this bowl can be tailored to your personal taste.Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef