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Easy Taco Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Beef Recipe

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4.4 from 5 reviews

This flavorful Taco Bowl combines zesty cilantro-lime rice with seasoned extra-lean ground beef, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Topped with your favorite fresh ingredients like avocado, cheese, and sour cream, this easy and wholesome dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option that stays fresh for days.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Rice

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or stock or water)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large lime (zest and juice)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Taco Meat

  • 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (85/15 or higher)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup mild picante sauce

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted corn, rinsed
  • Toppings as desired (grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh lime wedges, fresh cilantro, diced/sliced avocado, fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo)

Instructions

  1. Make Rice: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the butter and rice, then return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, stir in 1 teaspoon lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Cook Taco Meat: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling and stirring frequently until browned through. Drain any excess grease. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant. Mix in the picante sauce and cook until everything is warmed through.
  3. Assemble Taco Bowls: To serve as a meal, layer the cilantro-lime rice, taco meat, black beans, and fire-roasted corn. Warm the beans and corn by tossing them with the hot rice or hot taco meat. Top with your favorite toppings such as grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh lime wedges, cilantro, avocado slices, and fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo.
  4. Meal Prep Option: For meal prep, add cooked and cooled rice, slightly cooled beef, beans, and corn into meal prep containers. Keep toppings separate in individual containers or bags. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days. When ready to eat, warm the rice, beef, beans, and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add the fresh toppings before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences to add freshness and creaminess—avocado and sour cream work especially well.
  • To make a quick pico de gallo, combine fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt for a fresh topping.
  • This recipe is great for meal prepping and reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/easy-taco-bowl-with-cilantro-lime-rice-and-beef-recipe/