Name: Easy Taco Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup black beans or pinto beans (optional); 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen); 1 cup cherry tomatoes or diced tomato; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo; 1 avocado or 1/2 cup guacamole; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: lime wedges, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce

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The Easy Taco Rice Bowl is one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, flavorful, and completely satisfying. It combines all the best parts of taco night—seasoned meat, fluffy rice, fresh toppings, and zesty sauces—into one delicious bowl. It’s perfect for meal prep, casual dinners, or busy weeknights when I want something filling without a lot of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how customizable this taco rice bowl is. I can mix and match proteins, toppings, and sauces to suit my mood or what I have in the fridge. It comes together fast, uses pantry staples, and still feels like a complete, balanced meal. Plus, it’s fun to assemble and makes a great family-style dinner where everyone can build their own. Easy Taco Rice Bowl

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Cooked white or brown rice
Black beans or pinto beans (optional)
Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Cherry tomatoes or diced tomato
Shredded lettuce
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Salsa or pico de gallo
Avocado or guacamole
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: lime wedges, cilantro, jalapeños, hot sauce

Directions

I heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the ground meat until browned, then drain any excess fat.
I stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering until the meat is coated and the sauce thickens.
While the meat simmers, I prep the toppings—shred the lettuce, slice tomatoes, and warm the beans and corn if using.
I spoon cooked rice into bowls as the base.
I top each bowl with seasoned meat, beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and any other toppings I’m craving.
I finish with a drizzle of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
I serve immediately while the rice and meat are hot and the toppings are fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous bowls. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the meat for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. For a low-carb twist, I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. I’ve also made it burrito-style by wrapping everything in a tortilla. When I want extra crunch, I top it with crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions.

storage/reheating

I store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the rice and meat in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble the bowl with fresh toppings. This makes it perfect for meal prep—I just build a fresh bowl each day with minimal effort. Easy Taco Rice Bowl

FAQs

Can I use leftover taco meat for this?

Absolutely. I often plan for extra taco filling just so I can make these bowls the next day.

What kind of rice works best?

I usually go with white or brown rice, but cilantro-lime rice or even Spanish rice makes a great base.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I use black beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Tofu or tempeh with taco seasoning also works well.

How spicy is this?

It depends on the seasoning and toppings. I keep it mild for everyday meals, but I can easily turn up the heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. I prep all the ingredients ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble bowls when I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Easy Taco Rice Bowl is everything I love about tacos in a simple, customizable, one-bowl meal. It’s fast, fresh, and full of bold flavors, with endless ways to make it my own. Whether I’m feeding the family, prepping lunches, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this dish never lets me down.