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Ground Beef Taco Protein Bowls - Easy, Flavor-Packed Meal Prep

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

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds (90–93% lean works best)
  • Taco seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Onion: 1 small yellow or white onion, diced
  • Bell pepper: 1 medium, any color, diced
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • Cooked base: 3–4 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Lime: 1–2 limes
  • Fresh cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For topping
  • Avocado: 1–2, sliced or diced
  • Jalapeño: Optional, thinly sliced
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Cook your base. Prepare rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt.
  2. Heat the pan. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When it shimmers, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Brown the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Season well. Stir in taco seasoning and minced garlic. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and toss to coat the beef and veggies.
  5. Add tomatoes and beans. Pour in drained fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir and let everything simmer 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning.
  6. Prep the toppings. While the beef mixture simmers, slice avocado, chop cilantro, shred cheese, and slice jalapeño if using. Cut limes into wedges.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Spoon your base into bowls. Top with a generous scoop of the taco beef mixture. Add cheese, avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime.
  8. Finish and serve. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt over the avocado, add extra hot sauce if you like, and serve warm.