Burrito Bowls

This is my family's favorite dinner. It's also great for feeding a big group because it's so versatile. You can turn it into tacos, nachos, or a burrito, and everyone can pick and choose their toppings.

The ground meat recipe I added here is so flavorful. It's full of spices and stewed in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and garlic. If you are able, purchase high-quality ground meat from a farm that implements sustainable practices. Supporting these farms can help shift the way our food industry runs. If high quality meat seems outside of your budget, try the quality > quantity approach. (Eat less meat, but eat better meat!)

burrito bowl with ground turkey, guacamole, salsa, arugula, and cheese

For the meat:

1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp ground cumin

1 ½ tsp paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper

1 can chopped roasted tomatoes

2 tbsp olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin and tomato paste. Cook until the cumin seeds are dark in color and the tomato paste begins to brown. Add the meat. Sprinkle with all of the spices, then flip over and cook until there is no pinkness. Break the meat up with a spatula so it crumbles. Once cooked through, add the tomatoes and turn the heat down to low. Let the meat simmer for 10 minutes.

For the rice:

1 1/2 cups short grain brown rice

4 cups water*

3/4 tsp salt

Cook as directed by package instructions.

*I like to add more water than typically instructed. It makes the rice succulent and chewy instead of overly dry.

For the guacamole:

2 avocados

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp salt

Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed in a garlic press

Mash everything together with a large fork until the guac reaches a relatively smooth texture.

To Serve (pick your favorites):

Salsa

Grated cheddar cheese

Refried beans

Tortilla chips, tacos, or tortillas

Arugula or shredded lettuce

Fresh cilantro