These Taco Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors in a healthier, bowl format. Packed with flavorful beef, fresh veggies, rice, and topped with your favorite garnishes, they offer a customizable, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Skip the tortillas and dive into a bowl full of Mexican-inspired goodness!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 bowls
- Serving size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 small onion, diced (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (15 g)
- ½ cup water (120 ml)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Taco Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (400g / 14 oz)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (170g / 6 oz)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) (170g / 6 oz)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g / 5.3 oz)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (60g / 2 oz)
- ¼ cup sour cream (60 ml)
- ¼ cup salsa (60 ml)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Method of Preparation:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the beef is coated in the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Prepare the Base: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly between four bowls. This forms the base of your taco bowls.
- Assemble the Taco Bowls: Top each bowl with a portion of the seasoned ground beef. Add black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle each bowl with a little sour cream and salsa, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for a burst of citrus. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Customize Your Base: While rice is classic, you can switch it up with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce for a low-carb version.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more customized flavor, make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These taco bowls are perfect for meal prep. Simply store the ingredients separately and assemble the bowls fresh when ready to eat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even roasted sweet potatoes to increase the veggie content and add extra flavors.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option. Just follow the same steps for cooking and seasoning the meat.
- What other toppings can I add? You can add ingredients like pickled onions, olives, radishes, or even a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor.
- Can I make these bowls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare all the components ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this dish? Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for more black beans, lentils, or even tofu crumbles seasoned with the same spices.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice is a great, healthier alternative. You can also try cilantro-lime rice for added flavor.
Taco Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef bring all the flavors you love from tacos into a hearty and customizable bowl format. Whether you’re preparing a quick family meal or setting up a DIY taco bowl station for a gathering, these bowls offer endless possibilities to mix and match your favorite toppings. Delicious, satisfying, and easy to prepare—this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.