Build-Your-Own Taco Bowl
A fun and customizable dinner! Seasoned ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and black beans form the base for all your favorite toppings like cheese, fresh salsa, and crisp lettuce. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
Cook the brown rice.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice, 1.5 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
TIPCooking rice first allows it to steam perfectly while you prepare everything else.Prepare the fresh toppings.
- In a small bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to create a fresh salsa (pico de gallo).
- Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the salsa and mix well.
- Wash and shred the romaine lettuce.
- Have the shredded cheese and sour cream ready in separate bowls.
Cook the seasoned ground beef.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in 0.5 cup of water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
TIPUsing 90/10 lean ground beef minimizes the amount of fat you'll need to drain.Warm the black beans.
While the beef simmers, place the rinsed and drained black beans in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently until warmed through.
Build your taco bowls.
Set up a station with all the components. Let everyone assemble their own bowl by starting with a base of rice, then adding the taco meat, black beans, and desired toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
TIPBuilding your own bowl is a great way to get kids involved and ensures everyone gets exactly what they like.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef seasoning.
- 2Rinsing canned beans thoroughly helps to remove excess sodium.
- 3You can meal prep by cooking the rice and beef ahead of time. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; this ensures it browns nicely instead of steaming.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or lentils. Omit the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free versions.
low carbLow carb
Replace the brown rice with cauliflower rice and skip the black beans to significantly lower the carbohydrate count.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of ground beef per serving and add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked rice pouches and a store-bought taco seasoning packet to save time on busy nights.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of brown rice, black beans, and fresh vegetables delivers a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
Complex Carbohydrates for Energy
Brown rice offers complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy, unlike the quick spike from refined grains.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
With ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, this bowl is a good source of essential vitamins like Vitamin C and minerals like iron.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a taco bowl can be very healthy. It offers a good balance of lean protein from the beef, complex carbohydrates from brown rice, and fiber from the beans and vegetables. You can control the healthiness by being mindful of high-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream.
