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A vibrant Ground Beef Taco Bowl loaded with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

20-Minute Ground Beef Taco Bowl

This quick and easy Ground Beef Taco Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in under 20 minutes. It features juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef over a bed of fluffy rice, all customizable with your favorite fresh toppings for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 4 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cilantro-lime
  • For Topping: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, and fresh lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Toast them in the dry pan for about 30 to 45 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become incredibly fragrant.
  2. Add the olive oil and ground beef to the skillet with the toasted spices. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it's browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to move it around too much at first to allow it to sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Once the beef is fully cooked, pour in the beef broth or water. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for a minute or two until it has reduced slightly and coats the meat in a light sauce. Remove from the heat.
  4. To assemble, place a generous scoop of warm rice in the bottom of each bowl. Top with a hearty portion of the seasoned ground beef. Arrange your favorite toppings around the meat and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up.

Notes

Meal Prep: The cooked beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making assembly quick for future meals. Flavor Tip: Toasting the spices in a dry pan before adding the meat awakens their flavor for a deeper, more aromatic result. Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble. For a low-carb base, use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a bed of lettuce. Add corn or diced bell peppers with the beef for extra vegetables. Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping.