Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s healthy, filling, and family-approved? This Quick and Easy Taco Bowl brings all the flavors of tacos into a delicious, hearty bowl that’s customizable and ideal for busy weeknights. It’s perfect for meal prep, makes an excellent healthy lunch, and can be adjusted for low-carb, vegetarian, or gluten-free needs. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or need easy food ideas that everyone will enjoy, this easy recipe has you covered with just the right balance of textures and nutrition.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based meat)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup water
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup sweet corn kernels
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Fresh lime wedges, for serving
Optional: salsa, jalapeños, diced red onion, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice, broth (or water), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Fluff and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground meat, break it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Stir and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Prep toppings: chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, dice avocado, rinse beans and corn, shred cheese, and cut lime wedges.
5. Assemble bowls: Layer rice, beans, meat, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Add optional toppings.
6. Serve warm and enjoy immediately or store components separately for later.
Notes
You can use cauliflower rice to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor.
Fire-roasted corn or chipotle meat adds a smoky twist that’s irresistible.
Keep toppings fresh and crunchy by prepping them right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg