Description
This Taco Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining seasoned ground beef with beans, corn, and tomatoes, it’s served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. The dish offers a comforting and vibrant taste of Mexican-inspired cuisine with easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado, diced
- Your favorite salsa
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, to build flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic base of the dish.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes (including juices), black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and water. If desired, add chili powder and cumin for extra spice and depth of flavor. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into each serving bowl to form the base.
- Add Taco Meat Mixture: Top the rice with a heaping scoop of the prepared taco meat and vegetable mixture.
- Add Toppings: Layer on shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and diced avocado for creamy and fresh textures.
- Finish with Salsa and Garnishes: Add your favorite salsa on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using, to brighten flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the bowl for a zesty finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to modify the carbohydrate content to suit your needs.
- Adjust the seasoning amounts to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick meal.
- Adding fresh lime juice before serving enhances the dish’s brightness.