Taco Bowl

Taco bowls are the ultimate weeknight meal that combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients in one delicious package. This recipe is easy to customize, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch, taco bowls deliver every time. Plus, they make the perfect base for all your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Taco bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again:

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple cooking methods, taco bowls come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: From the protein to the toppings, taco bowls allow for endless variations. Add your favorites or whatever you have on hand!
• Healthy Options: Packed with lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains, taco bowls can be as nutritious as you want them to be.
• Great for Meal Prep: These bowls store well and are ideal for meal prep, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.

What Goes Into Taco Bowl

Creating the perfect taco bowl requires a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of rice (your choice: brown, white, or cauliflower)
• 2 cups chicken broth, stock, or water, for cooking the rice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large lime, juiced
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup mild picante sauce (found next to salsas in the grocery store)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted corn, rinsed
• Toppings as desired: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, etc.

Tools of the Trade

Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools:

• Large Pot: For cooking rice or any other grains.
• Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for browning the ground beef and mixing in the spices.
• Spatula: To stir and break up the meat as it cooks.
• Citrus Juicer: For easily juicing the lime.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping your fresh ingredients.

Build Taco Bowl Step by Step

Creating your taco bowl is simple! Follow these steps for a delicious result:

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a large pot, combine the rice and chicken broth (or water). Add the butter and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes for white rice, longer for brown rice). Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Beef

To the cooked beef, add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4: Mix in the Goodness

Pour in the picante sauce, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

In a bowl, start with a generous scoop of the cooked rice, then top it with the beef mixture. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part! Load up your taco bowl with your favorite toppings. Consider shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or anything else that tickles your fancy.

In-Season Swaps

Feel free to get creative and swap out ingredients based on the season or what you have on hand:

• Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor.
• Beans: Use pinto beans or chickpeas instead of black beans if you prefer.
• Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is a wonderful substitute for canned corn in the summer.
• Veggies: Add in seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

What Could Go Wrong

Even the most experienced cooks can run into a few hiccups. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking Rice: Make sure to follow the rice cooking instructions closely to avoid mushy rice.
• Dry Beef: Don’t overcook the ground beef; it should be juicy, not dry.
• Too Spicy: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste, especially if kids are eating.
• Uneven Seasoning: Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef for consistent flavor.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a great problem to have!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: The beef mixture and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat: Reheat the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave, and warm the rice separately. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor.

Reader Questions

Can I make this taco bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, and ensure the broth is vegetable-based.

What can I use instead of rice?

You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of greens for a low-carb option.

How spicy is this taco bowl?

The heat level can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper and using a mild picante sauce. It’s customizable to your taste!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the rice and beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you loved this taco bowl, you might enjoy trying these delicious recipes:

• Chicken Fajitas
• Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
• Spicy Chicken Tacos
• Beef Enchiladas

That’s a Wrap

Taco bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the ability to customize and adapt to your preferences, they are a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a delicious taco bowl that will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite!

Taco Bowl

This Taco Bowl is a weeknight winner! Quick, customizable, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for the whole family!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Rice:

• 1 cup rice (your choice: brown, white, or cauliflower)
• 2 cups chicken broth , stock, or water, for cooking the rice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large lime juiced
• 1/3 cup cilantro finely chopped

For the Beef:

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup mild picante sauce (found next to salsas in the grocery store)
• 1 can black beans (15-ounce, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can fire-roasted corn (15-ounce, rinsed)
• Toppings as desired (shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, etc.)

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Citrus juicer
• Cutting board and knife

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Cook the Rice

   In a large pot, combine the rice and chicken broth (or water). Add the butter and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes for white rice, longer for brown rice). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Beef

   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Season the Beef

   To the cooked beef, add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Step 4: Mix in the Goodness

   Pour in the picante sauce, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

   In a bowl, start with a generous scoop of the cooked rice, then top it with the beef mixture. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
6. Step 6: Add Toppings

   Now comes the fun part! Load up your taco bowl with your favorite toppings. Consider shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or anything else that tickles your fancy.

Notes

• Customize your protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
• Feel free to swap black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas.
• Add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.