This Taco Rice Bowl is about to become your go-to weeknight favorite. It’s loaded with seasoned ground meat, fluffy rice, hearty beans, and all your favorite taco toppings — all in one satisfying bowl. With its smoky chipotle flavor, endless customization options, and easy prep, this healthy dinner will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Rice Bowl
When you’re craving tacos but want something easier (and maybe a little less messy), this Taco Rice Bowl is the perfect choice. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s great for meal prep — so you can make it once and enjoy it for days.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Effortless to make. Just cook your rice, brown the meat, and assemble your bowls.
- Completely customizable. Choose your favorite toppings — from cheese and salsa to avocado and cilantro.
- Perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers and reheat for a quick, nourishing lunch or dinner.
- Family-friendly. Everyone can build their bowl exactly the way they like it.
Ingredient Notes
You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious Taco Rice Bowl — just a few pantry staples and fresh toppings to bring it all together.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Both work perfectly. If you want a leaner option, go for turkey or even chicken.
- Onion: Yellow onion adds a mild, aromatic sweetness that balances the spices.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: The secret to that smoky, slightly spicy flavor. You’ll find them in small cans in the international foods aisle.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Spices: A mix of cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates the ultimate homemade taco seasoning.
- Rice: Use your favorite kind! White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa all work beautifully.
- Black Beans: Add fiber, protein, and texture. You can also use pinto beans if you prefer.
- Optional Toppings: Go wild — shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, lettuce, lime juice… whatever you love on your tacos!
How to Make Taco Rice Bowls
Step One: Cook the Rice
Start by preparing your rice according to package instructions. Different rice types vary in cook time, but most take around 20 minutes. This gives you time to prep the rest of the ingredients while it cooks.
Step Two: Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, about 5–8 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), and tomato paste. Let everything cook together for a few minutes to build flavor.
Step Three: Add the Chipotle Mixture
Blend the chipotle peppers with a few tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this smoky mixture into the skillet along with your seasonings and drained black beans. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and aromatic.
Step Four: Mash the Guacamole
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a bit of salt and chopped cilantro for a quick, creamy guacamole.
Step Five: Assemble Your Bowls
Now for the fun part! Add a scoop of rice to each bowl, top with the chipotle ground meat mixture, and layer on your favorite toppings — guacamole, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
Recipe Tips
- Make it your own: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. This recipe is super forgiving.
- Watch your meat: Don’t overcook it — just brown it until it’s no longer pink for the best texture.
- Make it low carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this Taco Rice Bowl healthier?
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, skip the cheese, and serve with brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrients.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium heat level thanks to the chipotle peppers. If you’re sensitive to spice, use fewer chipotle peppers and skip the jalapeño. Want more heat? Add an extra spoonful of chipotle or a sprinkle of cayenne!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian Taco Rice Bowl that’s just as hearty.
Taco Rice Bowl
Description
If you love bold, customizable meals that come together fast, this Taco Rice Bowl is everything you need. Packed with seasoned ground meat, smoky chipotle flavor, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a healthy and hearty meal that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
This recipe gives you the flavor of tacos without the fuss — all in one comforting bowl.
Ingredients
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅓ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, chopped (optional for heat)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
4 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
1 ripe avocado
⅓ cup salsa (for topping)
⅓ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Optional toppings: sour cream, extra cilantro, lime wedges, lettuce, jalapeño slices
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to package instructions. White rice usually takes around 20 minutes. Once done, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5–8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, salt, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing everything to combine and the spices to bloom.
Step 4: Blend the Chipotle Sauce
In a small blender, blend the chipotle peppers and water until smooth. Pour this smoky sauce into the meat mixture, then add the drained black beans. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Step 5: Make the Guacamole
Mash the avocado in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and about 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Set aside for topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop the cooked rice into serving bowls. Add a generous portion of the chipotle ground meat mixture on top. Finish with guacamole, salsa, cheese, fresh cilantro, and any of your favorite toppings.
Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Taco Rice Bowl!
Notes
- This Taco Rice Bowl is a complete meal packed with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Adjust toppings based on your dietary goals — skip the cheese for fewer calories or add extra beans for more fiber.
- The smoky chipotle and fresh cilantro combination gives this recipe its signature flavor, so don’t skip those!
- To make it vegetarian, use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.
