Hey y'all! If you're craving something hearty, satisfying, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, you're going to love this One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef. It's the ultimate comfort food that brings together juicy protein, fragrant rice, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings in one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply want a cozy dinner with minimal cleanup, this recipe is your new go-to. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Only one pot needed, so cleanup is a breeze!
- Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easily customizable with your favorite proteins and toppings.
- Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors and satisfying textures.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges for serving (optional)
How to Make One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
1. Sauté the Protein and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. If using chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken or ground beef, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned. Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
2. Add Rice and Veggies
Stir in rinsed rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Cheese & Serve
Once rice is cooked, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Fluff with a fork and top with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for the Best One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent a sticky texture. See tips on cooking perfect rice.
- Don’t skip the resting period after adding cheese; it helps everything meld together for ultimate flavor.
- Switch up the beans or add chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Variations on One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken or beef with extra beans or crumbled tofu.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while simmering.
- Cauliflower Rice: Substitute rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version (reduce broth to 1 cup).
Required Equipment for One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 5 qt)
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—just note that the rice may have a softer texture when thawed.
Suggested Pairings for One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or homemade guacamole.
- Top with extra salsa, pickled jalapeños, or crunchy tortilla strips.
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt (pre-shredded cheese can be less creamy). Discover more cheese tips at The Kitchn.
- Don’t rush the simmering time—let the rice fully absorb all those savory flavors.
- Garnish generously! Fresh toppings add brightness and crunch to every bite.
FAQ: One Pot Burrito Bowl with Chicken or Beef
- Can I use brown rice instead of white?
- Yes, but increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Is this recipe freezer friendly?
- Absolutely! Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Definitely—just use a larger pot and be prepared to add a few more minutes to the cook time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or ground beef
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) or ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
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2Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
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4Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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5Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
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6Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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