Description
This Taco Rice Bowl recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered together and served over rice. Topped with fresh lettuce, cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, and salsa, it offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh elements for an easy weeknight dinner.
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
Seasonings and Liquids
- 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
Rice and Toppings
- 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
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, drained corn, taco seasoning, water, and optional chili powder and cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Bowls: Place a generous scoop of cooked rice into each serving bowl.
- Add Taco Meat: Spoon a generous portion of the taco meat mixture over the rice in each bowl.
- Add Toppings: Top each bowl with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and diced avocado.
- Finish and Garnish: Add a spoonful of your favorite salsa on top and garnish with chopped cilantro if using.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for a different protein option.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding or omitting the chili powder.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground meat and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Cook rice ahead of time to speed up preparation.
- Customize toppings based on your preferences, adding items like jalapeños, olives, or diced tomatoes.
