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A vibrant beef bowl served in a rustic ceramic bowl, featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy cilantro rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and diced avocado, all drizzled with a creamy green sauce. A lime wedge and fresh cilantro garnish the scene, with additional lime slices and sauce in the background.
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Taco Bowl

This Taco Bowl recipe is a delightful fusion of bold, savory flavors and fresh, colorful ingredients. Featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cilantro jalapeño crema, and a variety of customizable toppings, it’s the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a hearty, satisfying bowl. Easy to make and meal-prep friendly, it’s a great option for a quick dinner or a nutritious lunch.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mexcian
Keyword bowl, taco bowl
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 450kcal
Author Camila Hurst

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.

Notes

For crema: Make the cream dairy-free by using sour cream or plain unsweetened coconut yogurt.
Garlic Beans: Optional- Drain and rinse the 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 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 450kcal