Description
This Taco Rice Bowl recipe is a quick and flavorful meal combining seasoned ground meat, rice, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced blend of protein, grains, and veggies with customizable toppings like sour cream and guacamole to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Seasoning
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Dairy & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice following the package instructions. This step can be done ahead of time to save time later, and the cooked rice can be set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet heated over medium heat, add the ground beef, turkey, or chicken and brown it thoroughly until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water into the skillet with the meat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat evenly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Begin layering by placing a portion of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl to form the base.
- Add Toppings: Top the rice evenly with the seasoned meat, then add black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions for a variety of flavors and textures.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the bowls with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Add sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on top according to taste preferences.
- Storage: Enjoy immediately or keep the components separated for convenient meal prep and later assembly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice for added fiber and nutrition, or white rice for a softer texture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or a plant-based protein.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning.
- Leftover components can be refrigerated separately and combined just before serving to maintain freshness.
