Quick Taco Rice Bowl: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Make a quick & easy Taco Rice Bowl for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This simple recipe combines seasoned ground meat, rice, and fresh toppings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/2 cup water
→ Zesty Taco Blend
06 -
1 (1 oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh & Creamy Accents
08 -
4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
09 -
1 large Roma tomato, diced
10 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 -
1/2 cup light sour cream
12 -
1/2 cup mild salsa
13 -
1 large ripe avocado, diced
14 -
1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
15 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Prepare 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice according to package directions. Typically, this involves combining rice with water in a saucepan, bringing to a boil, then reducing heat, covering, and simmering until all water is absorbed. Set aside once cooked.
02 -
While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, leaving the beef.
03 -
To the browned ground beef, add 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
04 -
Stir in 1 (1 oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water with the beef and aromatics. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. This creates the zesty foundation for your Taco Rice Bowl: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner.
05 -
While the beef simmers, prepare your fresh toppings. Shred 4 cups romaine lettuce, dice 1 large Roma tomato, dice 1 large ripe avocado, and chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Have 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup light sour cream, and 1/2 cup mild salsa ready.
06 -
To assemble your Taco Rice Bowl: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner, divide the cooked long-grain white rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
07 -
Arrange the fresh toppings over the beef and rice: shredded romaine lettuce, diced Roma tomato, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced ripe avocado, a dollop of light sour cream, and a spoonful of mild salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with 1 lime, cut into wedges, for an extra burst of flavor for your Taco Rice Bowl: Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner.
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture along with the taco seasoning, or use a medium/hot salsa.
02 -
Leftover Taco Rice Bowl components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice and beef, then add fresh toppings.
03 -
Feel free to customize your bowl with other toppings like black beans, corn, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
04 -
To save time, you can prep all your fresh toppings while the rice cooks and the beef browns, making assembly even quicker.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot with lid
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 708 kcal
Total Fat: 29 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 39 g