Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings in one satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Pinch of salt (for rice)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Rinse 2 cups of rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, 4 cups chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While rice cooks, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the avocado and chop the cilantro. Prepare toppings in small bowls.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
- Push beef to the side of the pan. Add diced onion to the empty space and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix everything together.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and 1/2 cup water. Mix well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Divide the fluffy rice among four bowls. Top with the seasoned beef mixture. Add cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and serve immediately.
Notes
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping. For a lighter option, swap beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice. Ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free if needed. Avocado and salsa should be added fresh when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: ground beef, taco rice bowl, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy recipe, comfort food, meal prep