Chipotle Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

This saucy smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Bowl Recipe is made with lean ground beef and chipotle peppers in adobo and ready in 25 minutes. The rich flavor develops when you squeeze fresh lime juice into the simmering meat, awakening all the spicy adobo flavors. I love making this for meal prep because the beef tastes even better the next day.

Better Than Takeaway

While Chipotle is famous for its steak and barbacoa, they don’t actually keep ground beef on the standard menu, which is a missed opportunity for a budget-friendly option. I created this version to mimic that signature smoky, spicy flavor profile using affordable ground beef, and honestly, I prefer it over the chewy steak sometimes.

The first time I tried this, I made the mistake of just dumping the spices in with the raw meat. I learned that you must drain the excess grease first and then fry the tomato paste and chipotle peppers in the pan for a minute; that blooming process mimics the char you get from a restaurant grill.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For The Bowl Base & Toppings:

• 3 cups cooked cilantro lime rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and warmed
• 1 cup corn salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream or shredded cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced or guacamole

How To Make Chipotle Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
2. Drain and Bloom: Drain most of the excess grease from the pan, leaving about a teaspoon for flavor. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the water (or beef broth) and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the beef in a thick, saucy glaze.
4. Finish and Assemble: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately squeeze the fresh lime juice over the beef. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the cilantro lime rice into bowls, top with the spicy beef, black beans, corn, and your favorite toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Control the Heat: The heat lives in the seeds of the chipotle peppers. If you want the smoky flavor without the burn, scrape out the seeds before mincing the peppers, or use only the adobo sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: The tomato paste provides a savory depth (umami) that balances the sharp heat of the peppers. Frying it briefly removes the metallic canned taste.
• Make it Saucy: If your beef looks too dry after simmering, add another splash of water or broth. You want the meat to be moist enough to flavor the rice below it.

What To Serve With Chipotle Ground Beef Bowls

These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but a side of salty tortilla chips is essential for scooping up any extra salsa or guacamole. For a refreshing drink contrast, serve this with a cold horchata or a sparkling lime water to cool down your palate between spicy bites.

How To Store

Store the cooked ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For meal prep, I recommend storing the beef, rice, and beans in separate compartments or containers so you can reheat them without warming up cold toppings like lettuce or guacamole.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?
  It has a medium kick due to the chipotle peppers. To make it mild, use half the amount of peppers or swap them for 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a little extra tomato paste.
• Can I use ground turkey instead?
  Yes, ground turkey works great. Since turkey is leaner, you may need to add a teaspoon of oil when adding the spices to prevent them from burning.
• What is adobo sauce?
  It is the dark red sauce inside a can of “Chipotle Peppers in Adobo.” You can find small cans in the international or Mexican aisle of almost any grocery store.
• How do I make cilantro lime rice?
  Simply stir fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt into warm cooked white or brown rice just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 62g
• Protein: 34g