Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef
This Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef is a healthy and popular family dinner. This easy meal all comes together in less than thirty minutes!
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Ground beef recipes are great to have bookmarked! They are comfort food dishes that are easy to prepare, packed with protein, and delicious to eat. More tasty beef dinner recipes include this penne pasta bake, this taco potato casserole, and this yummy Hamburger Steak with a rich brown gravy. Another option is this tasty Pepper Steak and Rice – perfect for weeknights.
Why YOU will love this recipe
- This is an awesome dish for meal prep. Portion out 4 days of ready-to-eat meals using this recipe.
- Taco rice bowls have a comfort food appeal. They are a hearty, filling, and satisfying dinner.
- It is so customizable! With a bunch of delicious topping options, there is something to please every taste. They can also be made with different types of meat or vegetarian or vegan by substituting plant-based ingredients.
- This taco bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredients
- ground beef – Ground beef is the most commonly used meat in taco rice bowls, but you can also use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- onion – Use either white or yellow onions for a milder taste.
- garlic – Essential for a punch of flavor and aroma.
- olive oil – To saute the onions and garlic. You can also add a bit of butter for even more richness.
- taco seasoning – We use our homemade Taco Seasoning recipe consisting of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes
- rice – You can choose your favorite rice. We generally opt for brown. This is the best method how to cook brown rice rice – always exactly how you like it!
Equipment
- large saucepan or skillet – We use a large pot to minimize splatters. A deep and wide skillet would also work well.
- sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping the vegetables and prepping toppings.
- wooden spoon – A trusty wooden spoon is our favorite tool for breaking up ground beef and stirring sauces.
- serving bowls – Make this dinner memorable by serving your taco bowls in some cute crockery!
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Start by cooking your rice. As mentioned above you can use whatever rice you love.
Step 2
Meanwhile, while the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan or skillet.
Then saute the onion for 5 minutes until it is softened, then add the minced garlic.
Step 3
Next, add in the ground beef and break it up using a wooden spoon.
Season the meat with sea salt and pepper, and saute until browned and cooked through.
Step 4
Then, add three tablespoons of taco seasoning and stir it well to incorporate it throughout the browned beef.
Step 5
Next, pour in the water, and bring the mixture to a quick boil over medium-high heat. Then, simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all of the flavors to be absorbed.
Step 6
Then, assemble your bowls! Start each bowl with a scoop of the cooked rice.
Next, spoon the cooked taco meat over the top of the rice.
Then comes the BEST part.
The toppings!
This is where you use your creativity and taste buds and sprinkle on all of the things you love.
Expert tip
Don’t forget to provide napkins and serving spoons, especially if you’re serving toppings like sour cream and guacamole.
Recipe variations
- Experiment with a different protein such as ground turkey or chicken.
- Lower the carbohydrates by using cauliflower rice instead of grain. Perfect if you are following a keto diet or just want to boost your veggies.
- We usually enjoy this dish with our Chipotle copycat Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Give this recipe a breakfast twist by serving the bowls with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage and bacon, and green onions. Perfect for brunch!
- Try this Easy Chicken Taco Salad for another easy, quick dinner.
Serving suggestions
- The topping ideas for these bowls are endless! We suggest any or all of the following: guacamole, cheese, salsa, shredded romaine lettuce, black olives, pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, fresh avocado, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, and crumbled tortilla chips.
- Set up a taco bar with all the components laid out, allowing everyone to build their own bowls according to their preferences. This interactive serving style is perfect for family dinners.
- Pair your taco rice bowl up with side dishes like homemade refried beans, Mexican Street Corn, or a simple green salad with a lemon garlic vinaigrette.
- Set out a variety of hot sauces – we love Sauce Bae – for those who enjoy an extra kick of spice.
FAQS
This recipe is high in fiber and protein and can be a healthy, balanced meal. This depends on the toppings you choose and of course, portion control. You can make your taco rice bowl healthier by using lean meat, brown rice, and plenty of fresh vegetables. However, it can also be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium if you use a lot of cheese and sour cream, so portion control and ingredient choice are important.
White rice is pretty common, but you can also use brown rice, Spanish rice, Mexican rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Storage tips
Keep your taco rice bowl leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For meal prep – Keep the rice and beef in oven-safe glass containers and store the toppings separately to maintain freshness. Reheat the rice and beef and then add the toppings.
More easy dinner recipes
**This recipe was originally posted on May 23, 2013, and updated on July 19, 2019, and again on September 16, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**
If you’ve tried our Rice Taco Bowls, please rate this recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving us a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!
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Taco Rice Bowl with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup water
Taco Seasoning
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook rice according to the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet. Once warm, add the chopped onions and saute until softened. About 5 minutes.
- Then, add the garlic and stir for one more minute.
- Next, add the beef to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season with sea salt and pepper. Stir until browned and cooked through.
- Then, add the taco seasoning and stir well.
- Next, pour in the water, and bring to a quick boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, assemble your bowl by layering rice and then beef.
- Finish the bowls with your favorite toppings including guacamole, cheese, salsa, shredded romaine lettuce, black olives, pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, fresh avocado, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, and crumbled tortilla chips.
Video
Notes
Storage tips
- Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For meal prep – Keep the rice and beef in oven-safe glass containers and store the toppings separately to maintain freshness. Reheat the rice and beef and then add the toppings.
I definitely am going to be making this. I haven’t made tacos at home in a long time because like you, I’ve been avoiding the store bought taco seasonings.
There’s just way too much sodium and lots of added ingredients that I just don’t need to be putting into my body.
I thought it would be too much work to make the seasoning, but yours only has 4 ingredients (which I coincidentally all have in my pantry)!
I think this would taste great with some avocados and some cilantro! I might even make it with some quinoa instead of brown rice. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Yes! Cilantro and avocados! Great additions:)