Beef Burrito Bowls

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These beef burrito bowls are packed with bold flavors and require minimal effort! It’s the kind of meal that’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for busy nights — or meal prep for the week.

An overhead image of a beef burrito bowl with another next to it and limes and cilantro on the side.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make A Beef Burrito Bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For The Beef Burrito Bowls Recipe
What to Serve With This Meal Prep Burrito Bowls
Other Tasty Beef Recipes To Try
Beef Burrito Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

It’s tough to pick a favorite, but this recipe is definitely up there! It’s full of flavors I love and is one of those meals I could eat for days without getting sick of it. One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to make — just toss everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. Whether you use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, the result is always the same: tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned shredded beef.

Another thing I love about this beef burrito meat recipe? You can make this bowl exactly how you like it. I pile on every topping in my fridge, while my husband keeps it simple with just a few. And for the kids? We keep things separate — beef, rice, and cheese on their own sides — because, well, you never know when an onion might accidentally ruin dinner. Here’s what makes it a must-try:

Minimal prep, no pre-cooking required
Slow cooker or Instant Pot options
Totally customizable
Melt-in-your-mouth beef

A close up image of shredded beef with poblanos and onions in a the pot of a slow cooker.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Beef- A six-pound chuck roast works best. If you prefer, you can substitute it with brisket or even a top or bottom round.
Seasonings- A packet of taco seasoning and a bit of kosher salt bring the perfect spice blend. Want a homemade option? Try a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Vegetables- Sliced onions and poblano peppers add sweetness and mild heat. Bell peppers work too.
Salsa- Adds moisture and flavor. Use your favorite jarred salsa or homemade salsa for extra freshness.
Oil- Vegetable or canola oil helps keep the beef tender. Avocado oil is a great alternative.
Bowl toppings- Serve with yellow rice, black beans, corn, avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, lime, and fresh cilantro. Pick your favorites!

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make A Beef Burrito Bowl

Step 1- Load up the pot.

Place the chuck roast in your slow cooker or Instant Pot, surrounded by sliced onions and poblano peppers. Sprinkle the beef with taco seasoning and kosher salt. Pour the salsa and oil over the top to lock in all that bold flavor.

Raw chuck roast in the slow cooker pot with onions and peppers on top of it and then with the seasonings and liquids poured on top.

Step 2- Let it cook.

If you’re using a slow cooker, let it work its magic on low for 8-9 hours until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you’re using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then do a natural release for 15 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.

The slow cooker covered and cooking and then the beef and veggies cooked and uncovered.

Step 3- Shred and serve.

Once the beef is tender, shred it with forks, discarding any excess fat. Spoon it over rice, pile on your favorite toppings, and dig in!

The beef removed from the pot and in a baking dish and then the beef all shredded up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes into a burrito bowl?

Anything you love! Some of my go-to toppings include yellow rice, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, corn, black beans, peppers, onions, fresh lime juice, crumbled tortilla chips, and plenty of cilantro. But the beauty of this dish is that you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste.

What’s the best way to reheat the beef?

Warm it in a pan with a little broth or water to keep it juicy, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Is a burrito bowl healthy?

The great thing about a burrito bowl is that you get to pick the toppings, so you can make it as nutritious (or indulgent) as you want. Want to keep it light? Load up on fresh veggies and skip the cheese. If you’re cutting carbs, the beef is delicious over a salad instead of rice.

An overhead image of two burrito bowls with avocados, limes and cilantro around them and a grey towel next to them.

Tips For The Beef Burrito Bowls Recipe

When shredding, remove as much fat as possible and be careful not to over-shred. It should be tender but still have some texture.
For extra moisture, mix in some of the cooking juices after shredding.
If using an Instant Pot, stick to a smaller chuck roast and cut it in half before cooking for the best results.
Spice it up with jalapeños or add a smoky kick with chipotle powder.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Chop the onions and peppers in advance. Keep all toppings separate and assemble fresh.
Leftovers and storage- Store beef apart from toppings — it stays fresh for 4 days in the fridge. Freeze the meat raw or cooked for an easy meal later.

What to Serve With This Meal Prep Burrito Bowls

This burrito bowl is already loaded with flavor, but adding the right sides can take it to the next level! Whether you're keeping it light or going all out with a full spread, there are plenty of delicious options to round out your meal. Here are a few of my go-to sides:

A side angle shot of a burrito bowl with another behind it.

Other Tasty Beef Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!