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Taco Bowls

Taco bowls deliver restaurant-quality flavor in about 30 minutes and are endlessly customizable for build-your-own fun with crispy rice, seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and creamy sauces.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Bowls
  • 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cilantro-lime
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Taco Meat
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping and Assembly
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup black beans drained and warmed
  • 1/2 cup corn fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • Salsa pico de gallo or your favorite style
  • Sliced jalapeƱos
  • Diced red onion

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Oven-safe bowls or ramekins (optional, for baking rice bowls)
  • Tongs or small scooper
  • Microwave-safe bowl (if cooking rice in microwave)
  • Large serving spoon

Method
 

  1. If using store-bought cooked rice, skip to step 2. Otherwise, cook 1 cup uncooked rice according to package directions until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes depending on rice type.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked rice and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to coat evenly with butter.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder over the rice and stir to distribute evenly.
  4. Continue cooking without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom of the rice develops a light golden crust.
  5. While the rice is crisping, finely dice one small onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains.
  7. Add the diced onion and garlic to the browned beef and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until softened.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds to bloom the spices.
  9. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds.
  10. Pour in 3/4 cup beef broth and simmer on medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  11. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  12. Warm 1 cup black beans in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Warm corn if using frozen.
  13. Divide the crispy rice equally among four bowls, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon.
  14. Spoon the warm seasoned meat over the rice, then add black beans, corn, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeƱos, and red onion.
  15. Serve immediately so components stay at the proper temperatures and textures remain crisp.

Notes

Assemble bowls individually and serve immediately so components stay at their proper temperatures and textures stay crispy and fresh.