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Easy Taco Rice Bowl Recipe
John

Weeknight Taco Rice Bowl Recipe

A cozy, customizable Taco Rice Bowl with fluffy rice, seasoned ground meat, tender beans, and fresh toppings for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican inspired
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Rice Bowl
  • 2 cups cooked white rice long grain or jasmine
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons water for seasoning the meat
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 0.5 cup chopped onion optional
  • 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper any color, optional
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • salsa or hot sauce for serving, optional

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice according to package directions with a pinch of salt until tender and fluffy, then keep warm.
  2. In a small pot over low heat, warm the black beans with a splash of water and a pinch of taco seasoning if desired, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until mostly browned.
  4. Drain excess fat if needed, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water. Stir well and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the meat is coated and the liquid thickens slightly.
  5. Turn off the heat and let the seasoned meat rest in the pan for a few minutes so the juices redistribute.
  6. While the meat rests, prepare the toppings by shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes, shredding the cheese, and slicing the avocado.
  7. To assemble, add a scoop of warm rice to each bowl, spoon black beans on one side and taco-seasoned meat on the other, then top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with salsa or hot sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté the onion and bell pepper in the skillet before browning the meat, and cook the meat on top of the softened vegetables. Adjust taco seasoning to taste if using a low-sodium blend.