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Quick Flavorful Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy recipe featuring spiced ground beef served over fresh cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings:
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, fresh or thawed frozen
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Chopped green onions or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups water or chicken broth. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15–18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt if needed. Set aside.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  8. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  9. Pour in ½ cup beef broth or water. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces slightly and beef is tender.
  10. Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into bowls, topping with seasoned ground beef, and adding desired toppings such as avocado, black beans, corn, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.

Notes

Rinsing rice removes excess starch for fluffier texture. Use broth or water to keep beef moist. Avoid overcrowding pan when browning beef to prevent steaming. Add fresh lime juice and cilantro after cooking to preserve brightness. Can prep rice in rice cooker while cooking beef. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and skip cheese or sour cream toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco bowls, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, easy taco bowls, weeknight meal, Mexican-inspired, healthy taco bowl

Find it online: https://avabake.com/quick-flavorful-ground-beef-taco-bowls-with-easy-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/