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

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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.