Description
A delicious and customizable taco bowl that brings all your favorite taco flavors into one hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: salsa, jalapeños, diced red onion, hot sauce
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the uncooked brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. It’s crucial to wash the rice to eliminate excess starch that can lead to a sticky consistency. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, broth (or water), and salt. Place it on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes. After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
- While the rice is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or your choice of meat) into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue to sauté until it’s nicely browned, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. After the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.
- With the meat browned, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step not only enhances the flavor but also creates a delicious sauce that will coat the meat and add richness to your bowl.
- While the meat is simmering, chop the romaine lettuce and halve the grape or cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocado and rinse the black beans and corn. Shred the cheese and cut fresh lime wedges. Having everything prepped will make assembling the taco bowls quick and easy when it’s time to eat.
- Now comes the fun part – assembling your taco bowls! Start with a base of cooked brown rice and layer on the ingredients. First, add a portion of black beans followed by the seasoned meat mix. Top this with sweet corn, chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, and cheese. Next, add the diced avocado on top and finish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra zing, and don’t forget the optional toppings like salsa or jalapeños to elevate your taco bowl.
- Once your taco bowls are assembled, serve them warm! Enjoy each bite of this delicious and nutritious meal, or store the components separately in airtight containers for later. This makes it perfect for lunches throughout the week or any busy night!
Notes
Feel free to mix different types of beans for added flavor and variety. Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process during a busy evening. Try various dressings or sauces, like a zesty lime vinaigrette, for a unique twist on flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g