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High Protein Ground Beef Taco Bowls - Simple, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground beef (90–93% lean), about 1 pound
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (about 3 cups; white, brown, or cauliflower rice work)
  • Black beans, 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh), about 1 cup
  • Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, diced
  • Romaine or shredded lettuce
  • Red onion, finely diced
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Fresh cilantro and lime
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • Olive oil
  • Low-sodium beef or chicken broth (optional, a splash for simmering)
  • Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare rice or quinoa according to package directions. For a lighter bowl, use cauliflower rice and sauté in a little olive oil until tender.
  2. 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 dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, then the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir to coat, then add a splash (2–4 tablespoons) of broth or water. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is glossy and well coated.
  5. Warm the beans and corn: In a small saucepan or the microwave, heat black beans and corn with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime. Keep warm.
  6. Prep fresh toppings: Chop lettuce, dice tomatoes and red onion, slice avocado, and roughly chop cilantro. Cut extra lime wedges for serving.
  7. Make a quick sauce (optional but great): Stir 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of hot sauce or a spoon of salsa.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, shredded cheese, and avocado. Finish with cilantro, a drizzle of the yogurt sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
  9. Adjust to taste: Add more hot sauce, extra salt, or an extra sprinkle of cheese as you like.