Chipotle-Style Burrito Bowl

Step 1

Place the 2 chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash them into a thick paste, breaking down the pepper pieces until no large chunks remain, about 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add 0.5 cup sour cream to the chipotle paste and stir with a spoon until the color is even and no streaks remain, creating a smooth crema, about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Add the zest from 1 lime to the cooked rice, squeeze in the lime juice, and stir gently with a fork until the rice is evenly coated and brightens in color, about 20 seconds.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 60 seconds.

Step 5

Add 0.75 pounds ground beef to the hot skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and stirring every 15 seconds, until the meat is brown throughout with no pink visible, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 6

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper over the cooked beef and stir for 10 seconds to distribute evenly.

Step 7

Divide the cilantro-lime rice between 2 bowls, placing it in the bottom and pressing gently to form a base layer.

Step 8

Spoon half the cooked ground beef on top of the rice in each bowl, piling it in the center.

Step 9

Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of chipotle crema over the beef in each bowl, starting from the center and spiraling outward.

Step 10

Scatter 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro over the top of each bowl as garnish, and serve immediately while the beef is still warm.