EASIEST EVER TACO BOWL

I’ll never forget the summer my best friend Sarah and I decided to open a “restaurant” in her backyard. Our signature dish? A ridiculously simple, yet surprisingly delicious concoction we called “Fiesta Bowls.” Little did we know, we were essentially making a version of what is now known as the beloved Taco Rice Bowl! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most flavorful, customizable, and satisfying Taco Rice Bowl you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Taco Rice Bowl: Your New Weeknight Hero

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Do you crave something that’s both incredibly tasty and unbelievably easy to make? Well, get ready to meet your new best friend in the kitchen: the Taco Rice Bowl! This recipe is a total game-changer because it’s completely customizable, meaning everyone in your family can build their perfect bowl. We’re talking layers of savory goodness, fresh toppings, and a whole lot of flavor explosions in every single bite. Trust me; this is going to become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

Okay, let’s be real. We all want meals that are delicious, convenient, and don’t require spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This Taco Rice Bowl recipe ticks all those boxes and then some! Here’s why I know you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love with it:

• Super Customizable: The beauty of a bowl is that everyone can tailor it to their own preferences. Want extra guac? Go for it! Prefer black beans over pinto? No problem! The possibilities are endless.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!
• Healthy & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this Taco Rice Bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating.
• Budget-Friendly: You can easily adapt this recipe to use ingredients you already have on hand, making it a cost-effective option for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples you probably already have!

• Ground Beef (or Turkey, Chicken, or Plant-Based Crumbles): 1 pound
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade blend – see below!)
• Cooked Rice: 3-4 cups (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice – your choice!)
• Canned Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
• Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Shredded Cheese: 1-2 cups (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Shredded Lettuce: 2 cups
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 cup
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup, diced
• Avocado: 1-2, diced or sliced
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For topping
• Salsa: For topping
• Optional Toppings: Jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Because Why Not?)

While a store-bought taco seasoning packet is perfectly fine, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sodium and spice levels. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. Use about 2-3 tablespoons per pound of ground meat.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Taco Rice Bowl ready in no time. Remember, I’m right here with you every step of the way!

1. Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package directions. I personally love using cilantro lime rice for an extra burst of flavor! If you are running short on time you can definitely use a pre-cooked rice cup or pouch.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or your chosen protein). Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain the Fat: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy bowl!
4. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The aroma at this point is absolutely intoxicating!
5. Warm the Beans and Corn: If using canned beans and corn, you can warm them up in a separate saucepan or in the microwave. This step is optional, but I find it makes the bowl even more enjoyable.
6. Assemble Your Bowls: Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings your heart desires.
7. Serve & Enjoy! Dig in and savor every single bite of your personalized Taco Rice Bowl masterpiece!

Success Tips for the PERFECT Taco Rice Bowl

Want to take your Taco Rice Bowl game to the next level? Here are a few golden tips that will guarantee 100% success!

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink, and then remove it from the heat.
• Warm Your Tortillas (Optional): If you want to get extra fancy, warm some tortillas and serve them on the side for a deconstructed taco experience.
• Make it Ahead: You can easily prepare the ground beef and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the bowls even faster on busy weeknights.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Get Creative with Toppings: Think beyond the basics! Try adding roasted sweet potatoes, pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of lime crema.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

The best thing about Taco Rice Bowls is that they’re incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to keep things interesting and prevent dinner boredom:

• Chicken Taco Rice Bowl: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef. You can even use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience! Consider using Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken for a zesty and flavorful twist.
• Vegetarian Taco Rice Bowl: Use plant-based crumbles or simply load up on extra beans and veggies.
• Spicy Taco Rice Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or top with your favorite hot sauce.
• Sweet Potato Taco Rice Bowl: Roast diced sweet potatoes and add them to your bowl for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
• Deconstructed Taco Salad: Skip the rice and use lettuce as the base for a lighter, healthier option.

More Delicious Bowl Recipes to Explore

If you’re loving the bowl concept as much as I do, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

For those nights when you’re craving comfort food, but still want something relatively quick, CHEDDAR CHILI MAC is a fantastic choice. It’s the ultimate cheesy indulgence with a spicy kick!

And if you’re a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, you absolutely HAVE to try PHILLY CHEESESTEAK BOWLS. They’re seriously addictive and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Craving a different flavor profile? Then you have to try this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! It combines the sweetness of corn with juicy chicken and a creamy, tangy sauce for a truly unforgettable meal.

If you’re looking for something incredibly rich and flavorful, consider using the meat from Mexican Birria Crockpot Recipe as the base for your bowl. The tender, shredded beef is bursting with complex flavors that will elevate your Taco Rice Bowl to a whole new level!

For a truly unique and mouthwatering experience, try using the beef from Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos in your rice bowl. The sweet and savory flavors of the beef combined with the fresh toppings and rice are simply divine.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

To make your Taco Rice Bowl experience even more enjoyable, here are a few serving suggestions and tips:

• Set up a Build-Your-Own-Bowl Bar: Arrange all the ingredients in separate bowls and let everyone customize their own bowls. This is a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process!
• Add a Side of Tortilla Chips and Guacamole: Because who doesn’t love chips and guac with their tacos?
• Garnish with Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges: These add a pop of freshness and brightness to the bowl.
• Serve with Your Favorite Mexican Beer or Margarita: Because why not make it a fiesta?

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store the components of the Taco Rice Bowl separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm up the ground beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble your bowl with fresh toppings and enjoy!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Taco Rice Bowl Revolution!

There you have it – the ultimate guide to making the most delicious and customizable Taco Rice Bowl you’ve ever tasted! I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and toppings. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Now go forth and conquer that Taco Rice Bowl craving! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Easiest Ever Taco Bowl

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This customizable Taco Rice Bowl is the perfect weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes. Layer savory ground beef, flavorful toppings, and your favorite additions for a healthy and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Bowls
• Microwave (optional)
• Small saucepan (optional)
• Airtight containers (for leftovers)

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
• 3-4 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cilantro lime rice
• 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1-2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 1-2 avocado, diced or sliced
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping
• Salsa, for topping
• Optional Toppings: Jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder for homemade taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat – homemade taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper for homemade taco seasoning
• ½ cup water

Instructions

 

• Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package directions or your preferred method.
• Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or your chosen protein). Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain the Fat: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
• Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Warm the Beans and Corn: If using canned beans and corn, you can warm them up in a separate saucepan or in the microwave. This step is optional.
• Assemble Your Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and any other toppings your heart desires.
• Serve & Enjoy! Dig in and savor every single bite of your personalized Taco Rice Bowl masterpiece!

Notes

For a spicier bowl, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or top with your favorite hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ground beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your bowl with fresh toppings. If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, use the homemade blend recipe provided in the article.