Go Back
- 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - ¼ cup sour cream - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges, for serving - Salt and pepper to taste If you want to skip meat, try using lentils or mushrooms. These provide protein and taste great. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your beans are pure. Quinoa can replace rice for a fun twist. For a bolder taste, add cumin or smoked paprika. These spices boost flavor without much effort. If you want to try new brands, look for organic taco seasonings. They often have cleaner ingredients. You can also adjust spice levels by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the jasmine rice. Use cold water until it runs clear. This step removes extra starch. Next, put the rice in a medium pot. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Then, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After this time, the rice will be tender. Take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. It should turn brown all over. If there is excess fat, drain it properly. This step helps keep your meal healthy and tasty. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Pour in ½ cup of water and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the meat soak up the seasoning. In four bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top each bowl with equal amounts of seasoned meat, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded cheese. Finish each bowl with a drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your taco rice bowls! To make great rice, use the right water to rice ratio. For jasmine rice, use two cups of water for one cup of rice. This will give you fluffy rice. After cooking, let it rest for five minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This keeps the rice light and airy. To boost the meat flavor, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. These spices bring depth to your dish. When cooking, choose sautéing over boiling. Sautéing gives meat a nice brown crust. This crust adds a lot of flavor to your taco rice bowls. For serving, use colorful bowls to make your meal pop. Layer the ingredients in the bowls for a nice look. You can also serve taco rice bowls family-style. Place all the ingredients on a table and let everyone build their own bowl. This makes dinner fun and engaging for everyone! Pro Tips Perfectly Fluffy Rice: Rinse your jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. This will help achieve a fluffier texture once cooked. Meat Alternatives: If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, while still providing great flavor. Customizable Bowls: Encourage everyone to personalize their bowls with their favorite toppings like jalapeños, salsa, or different types of cheese. Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe avocados and fresh cilantro for the best flavor. This will elevate the taste of the entire dish! {{image_2}} You can easily make taco rice bowls vegetarian. Use plant-based meat like lentils or soy crumbles. These options bring good texture and taste. For toppings, think about using grilled peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Adding black beans and corn keeps the flavor strong. Don’t forget fresh avocado and diced tomatoes for extra freshness! To make your taco rice bowls vegan, swap out dairy products. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream. They melt and taste great, just like the real thing. Add more veggie toppings, like roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas. These will boost protein and flavor. You can even sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste! Taco rice bowls can change based on different cuisines. For a spicy twist, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also make a Greek version with feta, olives, and tzatziki. If you prefer mild flavors, use sweet corn and mild cheese. The options are endless, and you can mix and match! To store leftovers, let the taco rice bowls cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave. The shelf life of taco rice bowls is short. They taste best when fresh, but they still work well for a few days. You can freeze individual components for later use. Cooked rice, seasoned meat, and beans freeze well. Just make sure they are cooled before you freeze them. Use freezer bags for easier storage. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot. To make taco rice bowls ahead of time, cook the rice and meat in batches. Store them separately in the fridge. This way, you can mix and match throughout the week. For easy meal assembly, keep toppings like cheese and avocado ready to go. Just add them fresh when you are ready to serve. This saves time and keeps your meals fresh and tasty. To make taco rice bowls gluten-free, swap the taco seasoning with a gluten-free brand. Look for mixes that use corn starch instead of wheat flour. You can also make your own by blending spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Ensure other ingredients, like canned beans and corn, are labeled gluten-free. Always check labels for cross-contamination. Yes, you can make taco rice bowls ahead of time. Cook the rice and meat and store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the toppings fresh by storing them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply heat the meat and rice in the microwave. This keeps everything tasty and fresh. You can get creative with toppings for taco rice bowls. Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, or pickled onions for tang. Fresh corn salsa adds crunch. You can also use different types of cheese, like queso fresco. For a refreshing touch, consider diced cucumbers or a dollop of guacamole. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this blog post, we covered how to create delicious taco rice bowls. We discussed key ingredients, substitutions for different diets, and cooking tips. You can enjoy savory flavors while tailoring the dish to your taste. Whether you prefer meat, go vegetarian, or embrace vegan options, there are plenty of choices. Remember to store leftovers correctly for later meals. I hope you feel inspired to cook and share these tasty bowls with family and friends! Enjoy your culinary adventure.

Taco Rice Bowls

A delicious and customizable taco-inspired rice bowl filled with seasoned meat, beans, corn, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the taco seasoning to the cooked meat, followed by ½ cup of water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • In four bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top each bowl with equal portions of the seasoned meat, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded cheese.
  • Drizzle sour cream over each bowl and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls, and consider garnishing with additional cilantro and a lime wedge for a fresh pop of color. Enjoy the bowls family-style so everyone can customize their own!
Keyword bowl, dinner, easy, rice, taco