Taco rice bowl with seasoned beef, avocado, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro served with lime

Easy Taco Rice Bowl

by

Quick, healthy & flavor-packed weeknight dinner

Say hello to your new go-to weeknight dinner: Easy Taco Rice Bowls! This one-bowl wonder combines fluffy rice, seasoned beef (or chicken), crisp veggies, and creamy toppings for a fresh, balanced meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. It’s everything you love about tacos just served in a bowl for easy, mess-free eating. Perfect for meal prep, busy nights, or family dinners, this Emma’s Cake Studio favorite lets you build your bowl just how you like it healthy, hearty, and totally satisfying!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

For the Taco Meat

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup water or broth

For the Bowl Toppings

  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rice cooker or saucepan for rice

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Cook your rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions. Keep warm. 🍚
  2. Make the taco meat:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
    • Stir in garlic, then add ground beef. Cook until browned.
    • Sprinkle in taco seasoning and pour in water.
    • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens.
  3. Assemble your bowls:
    • Divide rice among serving bowls.
    • Top with taco meat, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
    • Add avocado, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  4. Garnish & serve:
    Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or green onions. Squeeze lime juice over the top for extra freshness.

Pro Tips

  • Healthier swap: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for extra fiber and fewer carbs.
  • Meal prep magic: Store ingredients separately in containers and assemble just before eating.
  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use extra beans or grilled veggies.
  • Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or a drizzle of hot salsa.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl42028g35g16g6g4g