Taco Bowl (2024)

Why You Are Going to Love This!

• Fun. Taco Bowls are a fun and different way to enjoy a taco. Tacos were pretty much a weekly menu item when I was a kid. My mom made them with ground beef and served them in those crispy taco shells.
• Delicious. So many good flavors and textures all in one place Just mix it up and enjoy!
• Easy. They are easy to put together and It is a great way to use up leftover meat you may have on hand.
• Customizable. Everyone can create their own combination using their favorite toppings.
• Meal Prepping. Because everything can be prepped ahead, it’s the perfect make ahead meal.

What is In a Taco Bowl?

Meat. For today’s version I used ground beef cooked with taco seasoning. You could also use ground chicken or ground turkey.

Taco Seasoning. You can use store bought seasoning but it’s easy to make a homemade taco seasoning using your own using garlic powder, onion power, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika. I’ve got a recipe down below for you.

Rice. Use brown rice or white rice, whatever your preference is.

Toppings. This is where you can go crazy and add your favorite taco toppings.

How to Make a Taco Bowl

• Rice. Start with a base of brown rice. You can use white rice or even Mexican rice. Follow my directions for making perfect Instant Pot brown rice every time. We like to use the rice warm. You can also substitute quinoa for rice if you prefer or use cauliflower rice.
• Meat. For beef taco meat, brown hamburger and add in taco seasoning ingredients or a store bought taco seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
• Add your meat on top of the rice.

• Beans. Drain and rinse your black beans. You can also use pinto beans or refried beans.
• Corn. I usually used canned corn but you can also use corn cut fresh off the cob if it is in season. Drain the canned corn. To give the corn a bit more flavor char it in a cast iron pan for a few minutes before adding it to your bowl.
• Toppings. Add your toppings from the list below.

Taco Bowl Favorite Toppings

• Cheese. We like grated cheddar cheese but you can also use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack or even a Pepper Jack cheese for a little kick.
• Lettuce. Romaine lettuce works well or even some iceberg. I like a lettuce with a little crunch to it. It adds nice texture to the bowl
• Salsa or Pico de gallo. You could also use some chopped tomatoes. Make a quick and easy salsa at home using this recipe.
• Guacamole. Sometimes I just add slices of avocado too.
• Cilantro. Garnish the top of everything with some freshly chopped cilantro.
• Taco sauce, hot sauce or ketchup. Drizzle this over the top. As a kid I always had to have ketchup on my tacos!
• Tortilla Chips. You can add some tortilla chips too if you like for a little extra crunch.
• Sour Cream
• Red Onion
• Tomatoes

Tips from Leigh Anne

1. Taco Bowls are a great prep ahead meal. Cook your meat, cook the rice, chop and prepare all your ingredients and just keep everything in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Heat up the meat and rice and add on everything else.
2. Make this even easier by buying pre made guacamole, salsa, grated cheese and chopped lettuce from the store. Ingredients will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Pair this with

• Cilantro-Lime Rice
• Mexican Rice
• Mexican Corn Salad
• Coleslaw Mexican Style
• Instant Pot Black Beans
• Cafe Rio Black Beans

Check out more of my favorite taco recipes:

• Taco Bake Recipe
• Breakfast Tacos
• Grilled Chicken Tacos
• Taco Soup
• Shredded Beef Tacos

Be sure and follow me over onYou Tubefor weekly cooking demos.