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Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly taco bowl recipe featuring seasoned ground beef and fresh cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for dolloping (optional)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup long-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes.
  8. Prepare toppings by draining and rinsing black beans and corn kernels. Slice avocado and chop any additional toppings like jalapeños or fresh tomatoes.
  9. Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into bowls, topping with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  10. Add fresh salsa or pico de gallo and jalapeño slices for extra flavor.

Notes

Rinse rice to prevent stickiness. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder or adding jalapeños. Fresh lime zest adds brightness that powdered lime juice cannot match. If rice feels dry, add a splash of water and fluff again. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef for better caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco bowls, cilantro lime rice, budget-friendly dinner, easy weeknight meal, taco bowl recipe, quick dinner, healthy taco bowl

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/budget-friendly-ground-beef-taco-bowls-with-easy-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/