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Ground Beef Taco Bowls - A Simple, Satisfying Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 pound, ideally 85–90% lean for flavor without too much grease.
  • Onion: 1 small yellow or white onion, diced.
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced.
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon for richness (optional but recommended).
  • Beef broth or water: 1/3 cup to bloom the spices and create a saucy coating.
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil for sautéing.
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • Base: 3–4 cups cooked white or brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, cauliflower rice, or shredded romaine.
  • Beans: 1 can black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained.
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned corn (thawed/drained).
  • Veggies: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, or bell peppers.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija.
  • Sauces: Salsa, pico de gallo, hot sauce, or salsa verde.
  • Creamy finish: Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
  • Fresh extras: Avocado or guacamole, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

Method
 

  1. Prep your base and toppings: Cook rice if using, or rinse and chop your greens. Rinse beans and corn, and chop veggies so they’re ready to go.
  2. Warm a skillet: Heat oil over medium-high. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess grease if needed.
  4. Season the meat: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle in the spice blend. Toss to coat.
  5. Create a saucy finish: Pour in broth or water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust salt or heat.
  6. Assemble bowls: Add a scoop of rice or greens to each bowl. Top with seasoned beef, beans, corn, and veggies.
  7. Add toppings: Finish with cheese, salsa, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lime, and cilantro. Add avocado if you have it.
  8. Serve: Mix as you like and enjoy warm.