Taco Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Taco Rice Bowl is a crowd-pleaser with its combination of savory, zesty, and fresh elements. It’s the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner, offering a filling meal in under 40 minutes. The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to tweak it to your preferences—whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with extra beans. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples like rice and canned beans. With the added bonus of fresh toppings, you can easily turn it into a fun and interactive meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups water or chicken broth (Use chicken broth for more flavor)

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (Turkey for a lighter option)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (About 1 oz)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (Drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup corn (Frozen or canned)

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (Fresh or canned)

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup salsa (For topping)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• To taste: salt and pepper

• Optional: fresh cilantro and lime wedges (For garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

3. Drain any excess fat from the meat, and stir in the taco seasoning. Add a bit of water (about ¼ cup) and simmer for 5 minutes, until the meat is fully coated in the seasoning.

4. While the meat simmers, heat the black beans and corn in the microwave or on the stove, until warm.

5. To assemble, divide the cooked rice into 4 serving bowls. Top with the seasoned meat, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

6. Garnish each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and optional cilantro and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative, extra beans, or more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

• Spicy option: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or diced chili peppers to add heat to your bowl.

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure that the taco seasoning you use does not contain gluten.

• Low-carb: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. How can I make Taco Rice Bowls vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by using a plant-based ground meat substitute, additional beans, or more vegetables in place of the ground meat.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a more nutritious alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice generally takes longer to cook than white rice.

3. Can I make Taco Rice Bowls in advance for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the components of the bowl ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls with the prepped ingredients.

4. How can I make Taco Rice Bowls spicier?

To add spice, you can mix in jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili peppers into the meat mixture or as a topping.

5. Can I freeze Taco Rice Bowls?

While the rice and meat mixture freeze well, the toppings like lettuce and tomatoes do not. You can freeze the rice and meat and thaw them when needed, then top with fresh toppings when ready to serve.

6. Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef and works well in this recipe.

7. Can I use canned rice or instant rice?

You can use instant rice or canned rice if you’re in a pinch, but the texture may vary. Follow the instructions on the packaging to cook it properly.

8. What other toppings can I add to Taco Rice Bowls?

Feel free to customize with extra toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or pickled onions. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the taco seasoning you use is also gluten-free.

10. How do I store leftover Taco Rice Bowls?

Store leftover Taco Rice Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Conclusion

The Taco Rice Bowl is a versatile and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and easily customizable to fit your tastes. Whether you make it with ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option, this dish offers all the delicious flavors of tacos in one bowl. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.