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Colorful taco rice bowl with seasoned ground beef, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and avocado in white bowl
recipessoft.com

the perfect taco rice bowl

Master the perfect taco rice bowl with our ultimate guide! Easy recipes, meal prep tips & fusion variations for healthy, delicious bowls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups jasmine rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15) or ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup salsa verde
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Rice Base (15 minutes)
  1. Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and bay leaf
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes
  4. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork
  5. Remove bay leaf and stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and ½ teaspoon salt
Cook the Protein (10 minutes)
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spatula, until browned (about 6-8 minutes)
  3. Drain excess fat if necessary
  4. Add taco seasoning and beef broth, stir to combine
  5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed and meat is well-seasoned
Prepare Fresh Ingredients (10 minutes)
  1. While meat and rice cook, dice tomatoes and place in small bowl
  2. Shred lettuce and place in separate bowl
  3. Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning
  4. Drain and rinse black beans
  5. Grate cheese if using block cheese
  6. Prepare any other desired toppings
Assemble the Bowls (5 minutes)
  1. Divide cilantro-lime rice among 4 serving bowls
  2. Top each bowl with seasoned ground beef
  3. Arrange remaining ingredients in sections around the bowl: black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce
  4. Add avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño slices if desired
  6. Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa verde on the side

Notes

Recipe Pros

  • Quick 40-minute total preparation and cooking time
  • Highly customizable for different dietary preferences and restrictions
  • Perfect for meal prep - components store well separately for up to 5 days
  • Balanced nutrition with protein, carbs, healthy fats, and vegetables
  • Kid-friendly and easily adaptable for different spice levels
  • Uses common pantry ingredients and fresh produce
  • More filling and less messy than traditional tacos
  • Great for feeding a crowd or family with varying tastes
  • Naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free seasonings

Recipe Cons

  • Requires multiple components and prep bowls, creating more dishes
  • Fresh ingredients like avocado and lettuce don't store well once assembled
  • Can become soggy if not assembled properly or stored incorrectly
  • Higher calorie count may not suit all dietary goals
  • Requires planning ahead for best results with cilantro-lime rice
  • Some ingredients may be expensive depending on season and location
  • Not suitable for those with dairy allergies without modifications
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