Description
Beef Taco Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal featuring seasoned lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, and vibrant toppings served over rice or quinoa. Perfect for busy weeknights, this customizable recipe offers balanced protein, fiber, and vegetables in a family-friendly dish bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Spices
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base
- 1 cup rice or quinoa (uncooked)
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, sliced
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for squeezing
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another few minutes so the spices fully coat the beef.
- Prepare the Base: While the beef cooks, prepare your grain base. Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions and fluff with a fork when done.
- Warm the Beans and Veggies: In a small pan, gently warm black beans until heated through. Chop fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and corn for topping freshness.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer rice or quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Spoon on the savory beef, then add black beans and fresh vegetables. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top, and add spoonfuls of salsa or pico de gallo.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each bowl with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Notes
- Use lean meat to reduce grease and keep the dish light.
- Don’t skip seasoning; layering spices ensures bold, balanced flavor.
- Warm the beans separately to prevent sogginess.
- Prep grains and chop veggies ahead to save time on busy nights.
- Add fresh herbs and lime juice at the end for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: beef taco bowls, quick dinner, Mexican recipe, ground beef bowl, healthy taco bowl, family-friendly dinner
