This Easy Taco Rice Bowl recipe is a weeknight wonder, a simple and hearty meal that brings all the flavors of your favorite tacos together in one comforting bowl. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.
My mom, Eva, kept this recipe on a worn index card. On the busiest days, the scent of sizzling beef and spices was her signal that we’d all gather for a warm meal. It wasn’t fancy, just her simple, delicious way of saying “I love you.”
Why This Recipe Has a Permanent Spot in Our Recipe Box
- Ready in a Flash: This entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Loved by Everyone: It’s easily customized, so even the pickiest eaters can build a bowl they love.
- Less Time Cleaning: The main protein and flavor base is cooked in a single skillet, which means less cleanup.
- A Truly Hearty Meal: This is a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
What to Gather from Your Kitchen
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
My Go-To Tools for This Dish
A Trusty Large Skillet
A good, heavy skillet is your best friend for this recipe; it heats everything so evenly and gives the beef a perfect brown.
My Favorite Sharp Knife
Having a sharp knife makes dicing the tomatoes and onions feel less like a chore and more like a peaceful part of the process.
Let’s Cook This Together, Step by Step
Step 1: Let’s Start with That Wonderful Aroma
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until they’ve softened and your kitchen starts to fill with that wonderful, savory aroma. I always take a deep breath at this stage, it’s the smell of a good meal about to happen.
Step 2: Now for the Heart of the Bowl
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned all over, drain off any excess fat. Now, stir in your taco seasoning and the water, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when the flavors really meld together and become something special.
Step 3: The Fun Part – Building Your Bowl
This is where we get creative! Start by spooning a generous base of warm cooked rice into each bowl. Then, layer on the seasoned taco beef, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, the fresh diced tomatoes and red onion, creamy diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
Step 4: A Little Freshness on Top
Sprinkle a little fresh, chopped cilantro over the top for a bit of brightness. I find it really lifts all the flavors. Don’t forget to add a lime wedge or two on the side for squeezing over right before you eat.
Step 5: Time to Gather and Enjoy
Serve these bowls warm, right away. I love seeing everyone customize their own bowl at the table, adding a little more of this or that. It’s a simple meal, but it’s one that brings everyone together.
Just a Little Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use. The values are calculated per serving for your general guidance.
Simple Swaps for a Lighter Touch
- Leaner Protein: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or ground chicken to reduce the fat content. For a vegetarian option, a can of rinsed black beans or lentils works beautifully.
- Whole Grains: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Lighten the Toppings: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy creaminess with more protein.
Ways We Love to Serve Our Bowls
- A Fun “Build-Your-Own” Bar: Set out all the toppings in separate little bowls and let everyone build their own creation. It’s so much fun for kids and adults alike!
- With a Little Crunch: Serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up any delicious bits left at the bottom of the bowl.
- With Extra Goodness Mixed In: Feel free to stir in a cup of corn (frozen works great!) or a can of drained black beans with the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
A Few of My Secrets for Perfect Bowls
- Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Forgetting to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning can make the final dish feel a bit greasy. Take that extra moment to tilt the pan and spoon it out.
- Give the Beef Room to Brown: Make sure you use a skillet that’s large enough to cook the beef without it steaming. You want it to brown nicely, and giving it enough space is key to that.
- Season with Your Heart: The taco seasoning is the heart of this dish! Don’t be shy with it. If it tastes a little bland after simmering, feel free to add another sprinkle.
How to Keep Leftovers Fresh
For best results, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice, beef, and cold toppings should all have their own container. This prevents the rice from getting soggy and keeps the toppings fresh. The components will last for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the rice and beef, and assemble with the fresh, cold toppings when you’re ready to eat.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of busy days made better by a shared meal. I hope that when you make this Easy Taco Rice Bowl, it fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy faces. May it become a beloved, simple tradition for you and yours, just as it has been for us.
Answering a Few of Your Questions
Can I make a meat-free version of this?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with one or two cans of rinsed black beans or pinto beans. You can also use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground substitute. Just warm them through with the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning.
Is this a good recipe to prepare ahead of time?
This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can cook the rice and the taco meat mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also chop the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the rice and meat and assemble the bowls with the fresh toppings.
How can I make it a little spicier?
As written, this recipe is mild and kid-friendly. The level of heat comes entirely from your taco seasoning. If you prefer more of a kick, you can use a “hot & spicy” taco seasoning packet, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef, or top your finished bowl with some sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
Print
Easy Taco Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Taco Rice Bowl is a quick, hearty, and customizable weeknight dinner that brings all the bold flavors of tacos into one comforting bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon cooked rice into bowls, then top with taco beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For meal prep, store rice, beef, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- 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: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: taco rice bowl, easy taco bowl, weeknight dinner, ground beef tacos