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Taco rice bowl with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese in white bowl

Taco Rice Bowl

A colorful bowl of rice, beans, and seasoned beef that combines the flavors of tacos in a satisfying bowl format. Perfect for weeknight dinners with customizable toppings and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice long grain or jasmine
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey 85/15 beef recommended
  • 1 packet taco seasoning about 1 oz
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drained if canned
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce iceberg or romaine
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa your favorite variety
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for rice
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • 4 serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Add rice to a medium pot with chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes until fluffy, tender, and all liquid is absorbed. Let rest off heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned with no pink remaining and dark brown edges appear in spots.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed, then sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to help distribute seasoning evenly. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
  4. In a small saucepan, warm black beans over medium heat with ground cumin and garlic powder. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. If using frozen corn, warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes; if using canned corn, simply drain well.
  5. Spoon a generous base of rice into each serving bowl. Add seasoned beef on one side and black beans on the other. Top with corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese in colorful rows.
  6. Finish with your favorite salsa, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat rice, beef, and beans before adding fresh toppings. This mixture transforms beautifully into burritos, casseroles, or taco salads throughout the week.