Taco Bowl
Hello friends! This Taco Bowl recipe is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures, combining seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a creamy cilantro jalapeño crema. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering a customizable and satisfying meal in every bite.
Not only is it easy to make but it’s very healthy, quick, and gluten-free!
Best Taco Bowl Recipe
Why is this the best taco bowl recipe? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The savory, protein-rich ground beef pairs perfectly with the freshness of crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, while the creamy cilantro jalapeño crema adds a tangy, herby kick. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—swap out the toppings, adjust the seasoning, or make it vegetarian. This recipe brings the flavors of your favorite tacos into a convenient, hearty bowl.
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This post will include step by step instructions and full ingredients can be found at the bottom of this post!
Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice recipe is the perfect base for this bowl!
Ground Beef
To prepare the ground beef, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté finely chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed. Mix in taco seasoning and optional tomato sauce or salsa for extra flavor, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. If it appears too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Prepare a flavorful taco seasoning by blending chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick, if desired. This homemade blend is quick to make and stores well for future use.
Cilantro Jalapeño Crema
For the crema, rinse cilantro thoroughly, keeping the tender stems for added flavor. Blend the cilantro with sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and jalapeño for a mild heat. Season with salt, cumin, and black pepper, blending until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. The crema can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Assemble the Bowls
Start by layering shredded romaine lettuce and cooked rice in individual bowls or serving bowls. Add a generous portion of black beans, followed by the seasoned ground beef and halved cherry tomatoes. Top with diced avocado or guacamole for extra flavor and texture. Drizzle with the cilantro jalapeño crema or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred. Finish with optional garnishes like salsa, hot sauce, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or even tortilla chips.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This meal is great for meal prep! To reheat, warm the ground beef and beans in a skillet or microwave, and assemble fresh bowls as needed. The cilantro jalapeño crema can also be stored separately and used as a dip or topping for other dishes.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Bowl: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies to suit your preferences.
- Garlicky Beans: Heat black beans with minced garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili powder for a quick flavor boost.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store all components separately to keep everything fresh, and assemble bowls just before serving.
- Dairy-Free Option: Make the crema dairy-free by using plain unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Enjoy this vibrant and versatile taco bowl recipe for a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Love This Recipe? Explore More in My Good Eating Bowl eBook
If you’re a fan of vibrant, flavorful, and customizable bowl recipes like this Taco Bowl, you’ll love my Good Eating Bowl eBook! It’s packed with a variety of delicious, easy-to-make recipes featuring globally inspired flavors, balanced ingredients, and simple preparation techniques. From hearty bowls perfect for meal prep to light, refreshing options for any time of day, there’s something for everyone.
Check it out and take your bowl game to the next level!
Taco Bowl
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef 450g
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade (below)
- ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa optional, for extra flavor
Taco Seasoning
- 3 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 pinches of cayenne pepper adjust to taste
Cilantro Jalapeño Crema
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems packed
- ½ cup sour cream yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- ½ small jalapeño seeds and ribs removed (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp cumin optional, for added depth
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- splash of water optional, for thinning
To Serve
- 1 can black beans
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce romaine or iceberg
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado sliced or diced
Instructions
Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, and tomato sauce or salsa (if using). Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well combined. If it’s too thick or dry, you can add 2-4 tbsp water to the mixture.
Taco Seasoning
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl.
Cilantro Jalapeño Crema
- Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and trim the ends of any tough stems. Using the stems adds extra flavor, so don’t skip them!
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and cumin.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more lime juice for brightness, salt for balance, or jalapeño for heat.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar or container. Use immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Garlicky Beans (optional)
- You can drain and rinse the beans, and heat them beans through with 1/2 tsp of salt before serving, or follow the below steps to make garlicky beans.
- Add 1 tsp of olive oil to a small saucepan. Add 1 minced clove of garlic and cook until fragrant over medium heat.
- Add the drained beans, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp chili powder. Stir with the garlic and olive oil and cook just until heated through, around 2 minutes. Add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper if desired.
Assemble the Bowls
- In individual bowls, add the shredded lettuce on one side and the cooked rice next to it.
- Top with the black beans, cherry tomatoes, and the cooked ground beef.
- Add diced avocado, sliced jalapeño. Top with the Cilantro Jalapeño Crema, or with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Other Add Ins: salsa, pico de Gallo, chopped cilantro, cooked corn, lime wedges.
