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High Protein Taco Rice Bowls - A Fast, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Protein: 1 lb lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef (or chicken)
  • Grains: 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Seasoning: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper
  • Aromatics: 1 small onion (yellow or white), 2 cloves garlic
  • Tomato element: 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • Broth (optional): 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, romaine or shredded lettuce, corn (frozen or canned), bell pepper (optional)
  • Fresh herbs: Cilantro
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend (optional but great)
  • Creamy topping: Plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
  • Citrus: 1 lime
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Hot sauce or salsa: Optional for extra heat

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Make your rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime at the end.
  2. Prep the toppings: Halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the lettuce, chop the cilantro, and thaw the corn if using frozen. Set aside.
  3. Mix the taco seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few cracks of black pepper.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Brown the protein: Add ground turkey or beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Season and simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Stir in tomato sauce and a splash of broth if it looks dry. Simmer 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in black beans and heat through.
  7. Make the yogurt-lime sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with the zest of half a lime, 1 tablespoon lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water to thin if needed.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with the seasoned protein and beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Finish with cilantro, a drizzle of the yogurt-lime sauce, and hot sauce or salsa if you like heat.
  9. Taste and adjust: Add another squeeze of lime, extra salt, or more sauce to get it just right for you.