Go Back
To make the Easy Taco Rice Bowl, gather these items: - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup shredded lettuce - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving You can swap some ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a vegetarian option, replace the meat with extra black beans or lentils. You can also use quinoa instead of brown rice. If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a similar taste. Each serving of the Easy Taco Rice Bowl has about: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 10g This meal is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking the brown rice. You need 2 cups of cooked rice. It can be made ahead of time. If you want, you can use white rice too. Once the rice is ready, set it aside. It will be the base of your bowl. Grab a large skillet and add a drizzle of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Now, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them until the onion is soft and clear. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook the meat until it turns brown, about 5–7 minutes. Now, mix in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Then, add 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. Now it's time to build your bowl. Start with a generous scoop of brown rice at the bottom. Next, add the taco meat mixture on top. Then, pile on diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For the final touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve each bowl with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a nice zing to your meal! Enjoy your easy taco rice bowl. To make your taco rice bowl shine, balance is key. Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a bright taste. Lime juice adds a zesty kick. You can even mix in some chili powder for extra depth. Taste as you go. Adjust the salt and spices to your liking. This makes the meal more personal to you. When cooking ground turkey or beef, start with a hot skillet. This helps the meat brown nicely. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Aim for a nice, even brown color. This adds flavor and texture. Don't rush it; let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The better the meat cooks, the better the bowl tastes. Presentation matters. Layer the rice first in your bowl. Then, add your taco meat mixture. Top it off with fresh avocado, lettuce, and cheese. Use a sprinkle of cilantro for color. Serve lime wedges on the side for that refreshing squeeze. A well-presented bowl makes the meal more inviting and fun! Pro Tips Use Whole Grains: Opt for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. Customize Your Proteins: Feel free to substitute ground turkey with chicken or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and ripe avocados to enhance the flavor and freshness of your dish. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the taco meat and rice in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights. {{image_2}} You can easily make this taco rice bowl vegetarian. Swap the ground turkey or beef for 1 cup of crumbled tofu or tempeh. You could also use lentils or extra black beans. Add a bit more spice to the tofu with extra taco seasoning. This keeps the flavor bold and tasty. If you love heat, add fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can mix diced jalapeños into the meat as it cooks. For a smoky taste, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you want it milder, remove the seeds from the peppers. Toppings can change your taco rice bowl game. Try adding sliced olives or diced bell peppers for crunch. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthy twist. Fresh pico de gallo or salsa adds brightness and flavor. Don't forget lime wedges for a tangy finish! You can store the Easy Taco Rice Bowl in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to four days. When you want to eat it, check for any odd smells or changes in color. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the taco bowl cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label the bags with the date. To reheat, take the serving you want from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can use a microwave or a skillet. Heat until it’s warmed through. Make sure it’s hot in the center. If you want, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal! You can use white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Each option brings a unique taste. White rice cooks faster than brown rice. Quinoa adds more protein and is gluten-free. Cauliflower rice is low-carb and great for a light meal. Try any of these to fit your needs! To spice up your taco rice bowl, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicy taco seasoning. For an extra kick, drizzle hot sauce on top before serving. Experiment with spice levels to find what you like best! Yes, you can make this taco bowl ahead of time! Cook the rice and meat mixture first. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat them up and assemble your bowl. This makes meal prep easy and quick! Great side dishes include tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole. You might also enjoy a fresh garden salad. A side of grilled vegetables can add nice color and flavor. Choose sides that complement the taco rice bowl for a complete meal. This blog post covers how to make a delicious taco rice bowl. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavors. You learned how to customize your bowl and store leftovers. Taco rice bowls are fun to make and full of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and spices. With these steps, you can serve a tasty meal that everyone will love. You now have the tools to create your perfect taco rice bowl. Get cooking and enjoy your tasty creation!

Fiesta Taco Rice Bowl

A delicious and hearty taco rice bowl featuring ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and paprika, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  • In serving bowls, layer the bottom with a generous scoop of cooked brown rice.
  • Top the rice with the taco meat mixture, followed by diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword easy dinner, rice bowl, taco