Taco Rice Bowl Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Rice Bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish combines classic taco flavors with a comforting rice base for a satisfying one-bowl meal.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup water (for taco seasoning)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, lime wedges
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, mix well, and simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Taco Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of seasoned ground beef. Add desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, black olives, sour cream, and cilantro. Add optional jalapeños, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use brown rice as a healthier alternative, but increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to control sodium and spice levels.
- Leftover bowls can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
Keywords: taco rice bowl, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, Mexican rice bowl, weeknight meal