Description
A delicious and customizable taco rice bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, lime-cilantro infused rice, charred street corn, fresh veggies, creamy sauces, and bold toppings. This comforting yet exciting dish combines the best of taco flavors layered over warm fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4–1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Street Corn Topping
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or crema
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1–2 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese
Veggies and Mix-ins
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup rinsed black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Chipotle Crema Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
- 1 tsp adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice until water runs clear. Combine rice, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until fluffy (about 15-18 minutes). Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and butter or olive oil. Keep warm.
- Prepare Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to create homemade taco seasoning.
- Cook the Protein: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat, add 1/3 cup water, stir well, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Make Street Corn: In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and sauté until charred and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in mayonnaise or crema, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Remove from heat.
- Prep Toppings: Dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, slice onions, rinse and drain black beans if using, and crumble or shred cheese. Keep toppings fresh and ready to assemble.
- Prepare Chipotle Crema: In a blender or whisking bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, chipotle pepper with adobo sauce, lime juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base layer of warm lime-cilantro rice. Add seasoned meat on top, then layer with sautéed street corn, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, cheese, and sliced onions. Drizzle chipotle crema over the bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and contrasting temperatures, ensuring you enjoy the crunchy veggies and creamy sauce alongside warm protein and rice. Optionally serve tortilla strips or crushed chips on the side for extra crunch.
Notes
- Keep crunchy toppings like lettuce and tortilla strips separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
- Use brown rice or a rice-cauliflower mix for a healthier, fiber-rich version.
- For vegetarian or vegan options, substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans seasoned with the same spices.
- Batch cook rice and protein ahead of time to simplify weeknight meal prep.
- Add extra lime juice or hot sauce as desired to enhance bright and spicy flavors.
- Adjust spice levels to suit kids or sensitive eaters by reducing or omitting cayenne and chipotle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: taco rice bowl, Tex-Mex, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, homemade taco seasoning, lime cilantro rice, chipotle crema, street corn, healthy bowl, weeknight meal
