Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Inspired by San Francisco’s famous Mission burritos, this bowl layers spicy seasoned beef, black beans, and fresh toppings over cilantro-lime rice. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked white rice and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff rice and stir in 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until starting to brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp garlic powder to the beef. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes until spices are fragrant and meat is fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: To assemble bowls, divide the cilantro-lime rice among 4 bowls. Top each with the spicy beef and bean mixture, 1 diced medium tomato, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, 1/4 cup sour cream (optional), and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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