There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a burrito bowl, especially one packed with BBQ beef, smoky beans, and a tangle of fresh toppings. This BBQ Beef and Beans Burrito Bowl takes inspiration from classic cowboy beans and baked beans with ground beef and bacon, transforming those hearty flavors into a filling, flavor-loaded meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Whether you're a fan of ground beef and baked beans recipes or just want something new to do with canned baked beans, this bowl is built to impress without fuss. It’s got the tangy, smoky vibes of a summer cookout in one easy-to-make meal.
BBQ Beef and Beans Burrito Bowl
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Large skillet or sauté pan For browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic.
Medium saucepan To heat the beans with bacon.
Rice cooker or pot To prepare your rice base. A microwave rice pouch works in a pinch.
Cutting board and knife For prepping fresh toppings.
Serving bowls Go wide and shallow so you can arrange your ingredients beautifully.
For the BBQ Beef
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for flavor
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce smoky or sweet depending on your preference
For the Beans
- 1 can 15 oz baked beans (use your favorite brand of canned baked beans)
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon or 4 strips, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar optional, depending on how sweet your beans are
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder for heat
For the Rice Base
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice warm
Optional: squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for extra flavor
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels raw or lightly sautéed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- Pickled jalapeños optional
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
Prepare the Rice
Cook your rice according to package instructions. Once done, fluff it with a fork and season with a bit of salt and lime juice if desired. Set aside and keep warm.
Cook the BBQ Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in BBQ sauce and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes until thickened. This flavorful mixture brings in the essence of ground beef baked beans recipes without being too saucy.
Heat the Beans
In a medium saucepan, add canned baked beans along with crumbled bacon. Stir in brown sugar and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This bean blend nods to classic baked beans with ground beef and bacon — or as some know it, cowboy baked beans. You can also swap in leftover cowboy beans if you have some from a cookout.
Build Your Burrito Bowl
In each serving bowl, start with a generous scoop of rice. Layer on a big spoonful of BBQ beef, then add a hearty helping of beans.
Top with cheese (it’ll melt slightly from the heat), then add avocado, corn, red onion, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños if you like heat, and a wedge of lime for squeezing.
Pairings
The BBQ Beef and Beans Burrito Bowl is robust on its own, but pairing it well can elevate your meal to another level:
- Drink pairing: A cold glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or a sparkling lime agua fresca balances the smoky richness of the BBQ.
- Side dish ideas: Add a side of tortilla chips with salsa or a zesty slaw for crunch and freshness.
- Dessert pairing: A light dessert like fresh fruit salad or a slice of key lime pie keeps things refreshing after a hearty meal.
If you're entertaining or feeding a crowd, set this up as a burrito bowl bar with toppings in separate dishes so everyone can build their own.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, but ground beef keeps the dish quick and easy. You could use chopped brisket or shredded beef for a more traditional BBQ twist, but make sure it’s well-seasoned. For those looking into baked beans recipe with ground beef, using ground beef helps integrate flavors better.
2. Are canned baked beans okay, or should I make them from scratch?
Canned baked beans work perfectly and save a ton of time. If you have a favorite homemade baked bean recipe, especially one like baked beans with hamburger or cowboy beans, feel free to use that.
3. Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. The BBQ sauce brings more sweetness and smoke than heat. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want more kick. For something bolder, a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce works great.
4. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef and beans in advance and store them in separate containers. Just reheat and assemble. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s a great make-ahead meal.
5. Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or mushrooms. Use vegetarian baked beans and skip the bacon. It still delivers big flavor, especially with smoky spices.
