If you love tacos but want something a little easier to serve, Simple Taco Rice Bowl with Bold Flavor is the perfect solution. This comforting bowl combines fluffy rice, seasoned taco meat, and fresh toppings into one satisfying meal that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners. It delivers all the classic taco flavors you crave in a simple, customizable bowl format.
This recipe is approachable, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, making it a reliable go-to when everyone at the table wants something slightly different.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Taco Rice Bowl
This taco rice bowl is popular for good reason.
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for build-your-own bowls
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
The bold seasoning paired with warm rice and cool toppings creates a balanced, satisfying meal that never feels boring.
Ingredients for Taco Rice Bowl
Rice Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings and Add-Ins
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Rice can be swapped for brown rice or cauliflower rice with adjusted cooking times.
- Sour cream may be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Taco seasoning can be store-bought or homemade to control sodium and spice level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water. Add rice, water or broth, and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Season the Taco Meat
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until thick and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with seasoned taco meat and your favorite toppings.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately while warm, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.
Pro Tips for Success
- Season rice with broth for extra flavor
- Do not overcook the rice to keep it fluffy
- Let taco meat simmer briefly to deepen flavor
- Set up toppings buffet-style for easy serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Taco Bowl: Add jalapeños or hot salsa
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans and corn
- Cheesy Bowl: Stir queso or shredded cheese into the meat
- Fresh Lime Bowl: Finish rice with lime juice and cilantro
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice
Serving Suggestions
This taco rice bowl is filling on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides.
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread or warm tortillas
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator: Store rice and meat separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze taco meat for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.
Simple Taco Rice Bowl with Bold Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
Un bol de riz taco simple et savoureux qui combine du riz moelleux, une viande bien assaisonnée et des garnitures fraîches pour un repas rapide, réconfortant et personnalisable.
Ingredients
- 1 tasse de riz blanc à grains longs
- 2 tasses d’eau ou de bouillon de poulet
- 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
- 1 lb de bœuf haché
- 1 petit oignon jaune coupé en dés
- 2 gousses d’ail émincées
- 2 cuillères à soupe d’assaisonnement pour tacos
- 1/2 tasse de sauce tomate
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive
- Laitue râpée
- Fromage cheddar ou mélange mexicain râpé
- Salsa ou pico de gallo
- Crème sure ou yogourt grec nature
- Avocat tranché ou guacamole
Instructions
- Rincer le riz à l’eau froide.
- Ajouter le riz, l’eau ou le bouillon et le sel dans une casserole.
- Porter à ébullition, réduire le feu, couvrir et laisser mijoter 15 à 18 minutes jusqu’à ce que le riz soit tendre.
- Égrainer le riz à la fourchette et réserver.
- Faire chauffer l’huile d’olive dans une grande poêle à feu moyen.
- Ajouter l’oignon et cuire 3 minutes jusqu’à ce qu’il soit tendre.
- Ajouter l’ail et cuire 30 secondes.
- Ajouter le bœuf haché et cuire jusqu’à ce qu’il soit bien doré.
- Égoutter l’excès de gras si nécessaire.
- Incorporer l’assaisonnement pour tacos et la sauce tomate.
- Laisser mijoter 5 minutes jusqu’à épaississement.
- Répartir le riz dans des bols.
- Garnir de viande assaisonnée et des garnitures au choix.
- Servir chaud.
Notes
Cuire le riz dans du bouillon pour plus de saveur et laisser mijoter la viande quelques minutes pour intensifier les arômes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Plat Principal
- Method: À la Poêle
- Cuisine: Mexicaine
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~540 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | ~820mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.
FAQ About Taco Rice Bowl
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the rice and taco meat in advance and store separately. Assemble bowls just before serving.
Is this taco rice bowl gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the taco seasoning used is certified gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.
What is the best rice for taco bowls?
Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice or cilantro-lime rice works well too.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes. The mild seasoning and customizable toppings make it very kid-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Simple Taco Rice Bowl with Bold Flavor is an easy, satisfying meal that brings all the fun of taco night into one convenient bowl. It is flexible, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week. Once you try it, this recipe is likely to become a regular in your dinner rotation.