Taco Rice Bowl is a simple and delicious meal that brings the flavors of tacos into a hearty bowl. This dish combines rice, seasoned meat, beans, and toppings to create a filling and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or a casual family dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Making a Taco Rice Bowl is a great choice for many reasons. It is quick to prepare, usually done in about 30 minutes. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it easy to please everyone. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the mess of traditional taco shells.
How to Make Taco Rice Bowl
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.)
Directions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the taco seasoning to the meat, along with black beans and corn. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble the bowls, spoon rice into each bowl. Top with the meat mixture, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add salsa on top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
How to Serve Taco Rice Bowl
Serve the Taco Rice Bowl warm. You can set up a topping bar with extra salsa, cheese, and fresh veggies. This way, everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it.
How to Store Taco Rice Bowl
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Taco Rice Bowl
- For extra flavor, sauté some onions and bell peppers with the meat.
- Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for more flavor.
Variation
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by using beans and skipping the meat. You can also substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground chicken, pork, or even shredded beef. Choose what you like best.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the labels on the beans and other ingredients.
3. Can I meal prep Taco Rice Bowl?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and makes a great meal prep option. Just keep the toppings separate until you are ready to eat.
Taco Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth Use chicken broth for more flavor.
For the meat mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey Turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 packet taco seasoning About 1 oz.
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed.
- 1 cup corn Frozen or canned.
For toppings
- 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
Optional garnishes
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste fresh cilantro For garnish.
- to taste lime wedges For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the taco seasoning to the meat, along with black beans and corn. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- To assemble the bowls, spoon rice into each bowl. Top with the meat mixture, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add salsa on top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.