Ground Beef Taco Bowls are the perfect solution for busy weeknights- combining seasoned meat, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings in one vibrant, Mexican-inspired dish that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ground beef taco bowls are a quick, satisfying way to enjoy all your favorite classic taco flavors in one bowl. Similar to burrito bowls, they’re piled high with rice, beans, fresh toppings, and a flavorful protein—but instead of grilled meat, they use lean ground beef for a fast, easy weeknight option. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, these taco bowls are perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and customizable without the fuss.
This taco bowl recipe has thee perfect combination of textures and flavors, too. Each bite here has a combination of savory ground beef, fluffy, sweet corn kernels, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh salsa. Plus, they are naturally gluten free! The warm base of rice and juicy ground beef satisfies like a cozy meal should, but the cold, crisp toppings keep it from feeling heavy! The best part? You can adjust the portions and toppings to make it as light or filling as you want. The flavors are bold but balanced - spicy, savory, fresh, and bright all at once.
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Ingredients
You just need a handful of ingredients to make this easy taco rice bowls recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- Ground Beef: Choose the type of ground beef that you prefer! I like a leaner one, so that it isn't too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken!
- Onion: Diced onion adds a depth of savory flavor to the ground beef.
- Taco Seasoning: You can use your favorite taco seasoning from a packet or make your own homemade taco seasoning! It is a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper.
- White Rice: I use white rice as the base of my taco bowls, but you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even lettuce for a healthier version!
- Black Beans: Canned black peans are the easiest to use here. If you prefer, you can substitute them with pinto beans!
- Corn: Fresh, frozen or canned corn works! If corn is in season, I definitely recommend using fresh corn.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture and flavor to the mix. Feel free to use whatever shredded cheese you have on hand!
- Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought salsa for ease, or try my mango salsa!
- Jalapeño: For a bit of spice! If you are sensitive to spice, slice it open and get rid of the seeds first.
- Cilantro: As garnish, if desired!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Bowls
The beauty of this recipe is just how easy it is to make. Here's how to make easy ground beef taco bowls:
- Cook the Beef & Onion: In a skillet add the ground beef and onion. Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes or until the juices run clear.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Add the taco seasoning to the beef. Mix for 1 minute or until combined.
- Add Rice: Place the rice in a bowl.
- Assemble: Add the beef and the remainder of the ingredients to the bowl.
Taco Bowl Topping Ideas
The topping opportunities on these meal prep easy beef taco bowls is endless and will elevate this delicious meal! Here are some of my favorite taco toppings that you might want to try:
- Guacamole or Creamy Avocado
- Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce
- Pico de Gallo or tomato and onion curtido
- Lettuce
- Hot Sauce
- Sour Cream
- Tomatoes
- Fresh Cilantro
- Lime Wedges
- Black Olives
Pro tip! If serving a crowd, you can set up a taco bar so everyone can assemble their own delicious taco bowls! Try serving taco bowl shells too, so there is minimal cleanup!
Recipe Variations
- For a vegetarian taco bowl, skip the ground beef and add extra beans and fresh veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or sweet potatoes! Or, use your favorite vegetarian beef substitute.
- For some extra spice, serve your ground beef taco bowls with hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- To make a taco salad, replace the rice with lettuce and add a drizzle of cilantro jalapeño sauce on top.
- Serve with some tortilla chips on the side for some extra crunch and some dipping action!
- To cool things down, add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can keep the unassembled ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. These bowls are great for meal prep since you can prepare each component and store it separately until you are ready to assemble and enjoy!
Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice, or use shredded lettuce as your base.
The heat level here is totally customizable based on your choice of salsa and whether you include jalapeños. Start mild and add heat to taste.
More Recipes to Try
Ground Beef Taco Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 cups white rice cooked
- 1 15 oz can of black beans
- 2 cups corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- First, cook your rice according to the package instructions.
- While the rice is cooking, add the ground beef and onion to a skillet. Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes or until the juices run clear.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef. Mix for 1 minute or until combined.
- Place the cooked rice in a bowl.
- Assemble the taco bowls. Add the beef and the remainder of the ingredients to the bowl. Serve and enjoy!
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