Print

Cheese Bowl with Seasoned Ground Beef

Cheese Bowl with Seasoned Ground Beef

A comforting and hearty Cheese Bowl with Seasoned Ground Beef combining savory, well-spiced ground beef with melted cheese and fresh toppings, served over a grain base like rice or quinoa. This versatile and quick recipe is perfect for any meal and customizable to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)

Cheese Mix

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or blend with Monterey Jack)

Bowl Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (white rice preferred but alternatives like brown rice, cauliflower rice, or couscous work)

Fresh Toppings

  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 jalapenos, sliced (optional, for spice)

Creamy Finish

  • 23 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seasoned Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Brown the beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the beef. Stir well to evenly coat and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and optionally drain excess fat.
  2. Cook the Grain Base: Cook 2 cups of your choice of grain (rice, quinoa, etc.) according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  3. Assemble the Cheese Bowl: Divide the cooked grain evenly into serving bowls. Spoon generous amounts of the seasoned ground beef over the grains. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot beef. Allow the residual heat to gently melt the cheese for gooey, indulgent bites.
  4. Add Fresh Toppings: Top each bowl with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos to add freshness, color, and a slight kick.
  5. Finish with Creaminess: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt atop each bowl to balance the spice and tie the flavors together.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; cook in batches if needed.
  • Drain excess fat from browned beef to avoid greasiness.
  • Allow assembled bowls to rest a minute so the cheese melts perfectly and flavors meld.
  • For extra richness, mix shredded cheese with cream cheese or splash in heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese bowl, seasoned ground beef, quick meal, comfort food, rice bowl, quinoa bowl, easy dinner, customizable recipe