Why Make This Recipe
Taco Rice Bowl is a fun and easy meal that combines the best parts of a taco and a rice dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is customizable, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings, making it a family favorite.
How to Make Taco Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Directions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and follow package instructions (usually adding some water).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix well.
- Serve the rice mixture in bowls topped with the seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings like sour cream or avocado.
How to Serve Taco Rice Bowl
Serve Taco Rice Bowl warm in individual bowls. Encourage everyone to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings, creating a fun and interactive meal. It’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
How to Store Taco Rice Bowl
To store any leftover Taco Rice Bowl, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can reheat it in the microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Taco Rice Bowl
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- You can make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat or omitting it entirely.
- Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños or olives for added flavor.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding different ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, or different types of beans. You can also change the protein, trying chicken or a meat alternative.
FAQs
1. CAN I MAKE TACO RICE BOWL AHEAD OF TIME?
YES. TACO RICE BOWL IS GREAT FOR MEAL PREP AS LONG AS YOU KEEP THE PARTS SEPARATE. COOK THE RICE, MEAT, BEANS, AND CORN, THEN LET EVERYTHING COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE STORING. PLACE THE RICE MIXTURE IN ONE AIRTIGHT CONTAINER AND THE SEASONED MEAT IN ANOTHER. STORE IN THE FRIDGE FOR 3–4 DAYS.
WHEN YOU’RE READY TO EAT, REHEAT THE RICE AND MEAT IN THE MICROWAVE OR ON THE STOVETOP UNTIL HOT, THEN ADD FRESH TOPPINGS LIKE LETTUCE, TOMATOES, AVOCADO, AND SOUR CREAM RIGHT BEFORE SERVING. THIS KEEPS THE TOPPINGS CRISP INSTEAD OF SOGGY.
2. IS TACO RICE BOWL GLUTEN-FREE?
IT CAN BE. THE MAIN INGREDIENTS—RICE, BEANS, CORN, MEAT, VEGETABLES, AND CHEESE—ARE NATURALLY GLUTEN-FREE. THE TWO THINGS TO WATCH CLOSELY ARE THE TACO SEASONING AND THE SALSA. SOME BRANDS ADD WHEAT OR OTHER GLUTEN-CONTAINING ADDITIVES.
TO KEEP THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE, USE A CLEARLY LABELED GLUTEN-FREE TACO SEASONING AND CHECK YOUR SALSA, BEANS, AND ANY EXTRA TOPPINGS LIKE TORTILLA STRIPS OR CHIPS. IF YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE GUEST, MAKE SURE TO AVOID CROSS-CONTAMINATION BY USING CLEAN UTENSILS AND PREP SURFACES.
3. CAN I FREEZE TACO RICE BOWL?
YES, BUT IT’S BEST TO FREEZE ONLY THE “BASE” INGREDIENTS AND ADD FRESH TOPPINGS LATER. COOKED RICE, SEASONED MEAT, BEANS, CORN, AND EVEN SALSA FREEZE WELL. LET THEM COOL COMPLETELY, THEN PORTION INTO AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS OR FREEZER BAGS, LABEL, AND FREEZE FOR UP TO 2–3 MONTHS.
WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SERVE, THAW IN THE FRIDGE OVERNIGHT OR REHEAT GENTLY FROM FROZEN IN A SKILLET OR MICROWAVE, ADDING A SPLASH OF WATER OR BROTH IF NEEDED. ONCE HOT, TOP WITH FRESH LETTUCE, TOMATOES, AVOCADO, AND SOUR CREAM. A SQUEEZE OF LIME OR EXTRA SALSA CAN ALSO BRIGHTEN THE FLAVOR AFTER FREEZING.
Taco Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey Can be substituted with plant-based meat.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Use gluten-free seasoning for a gluten-free option.
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained Ensure beans are gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- to taste chopped lettuce
- to taste diced tomatoes
- to taste sour cream (optional)
- to taste avocado (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and follow package instructions (usually adding some water).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix well.
Serving
- Serve the rice mixture in bowls topped with the seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings like sour cream or avocado.