Beef Taco Bowl is a delicious and wholesome dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, rice, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, combining rich flavors and a variety of textures for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch, this taco bowl has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Taco Bowl
This Beef Taco Bowl is not just tasty; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:
- It’s a complete meal in a bowl, packed with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Customization is key—switch up the toppings based on your preferences.
- Perfect for meal prep; make several servings at once for the week ahead.
- It’s a great way to use leftover ingredients you might have on hand.
- This dish caters to various diets, including gluten-free options.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
- With options like a Beef Taco Salad or a Beef Taco Plate, you can enjoy different variations.
- Cooking time is quick, with a total of just 25 minutes!
Ingredients for Beef Taco Bowl
Gather these items:
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or stock or water, for cooking the rice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large lime
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup mild picante sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted corn (rinsed)
- Any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños
How to Make Beef Taco Bowl Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3: Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Stir in the mild picante sauce, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Stir the chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 large lime into the cooked rice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Step 6: Spoon the lime-cilantro rice into bowls, top with the seasoned beef mixture, and add any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or lettuce.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Taco Bowl
Keep these in mind:
- Use extra-lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
- For added crunch, consider using fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Taco Bowl
Here are some serving ideas for your Beef Taco Bowl:
- Top it with guacamole for a creamy texture.
- Serve alongside tortilla chips for a crunch.
- Pair it with a Beef Taco Salad for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Taco Bowl
To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This dish is perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Taco Bowl
What’s the secret to perfect Beef Taco Bowl?
The secret lies in the seasoning! Using fresh spices and a good quality ground beef makes all the difference in flavor.
Can I make Beef Taco Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and rice in advance and store them separately, then assemble when you’re ready to eat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Taco Bowl?
To avoid soggy rice, make sure to measure your liquid accurately. Overcooking the beef can also lead to a dry texture, so watch your cooking time.
Variations of Beef Taco Bowl You Can Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations:
- For a spicy beef taco bowl, add jalapeños or spicy salsa.
- Try a healthy version by incorporating more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Create a beef taco bowl with beans by adding different bean varieties for added protein.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Cheesy Beef Nachos or Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet.
For more information on meal prep, visit 20 Best Homemade Soda Recipes.
Print
Beef Taco Bowl: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and wholesome Taco Bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, rice, and fresh veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or stock or water, for cooking the rice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large lime
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup mild picante sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted corn (rinsed)
- Any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Stir in the mild picante sauce, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir the chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 large lime into the cooked rice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Spoon the lime-cilantro rice into bowls, top with the seasoned beef mixture, and add any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or lettuce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 513 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg