This flavorful Beef Taco Bowl recipe is ready in 30 minutes or less and is packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings. Our homemade taco seasoning adds the perfect touch. This a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Time-Saving and Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: With busy schedules, many people appreciate quick and easy meal options. This recipe provides a convenient solution for those short on time. After a long day at work or school, preparing a wholesome meal in a short amount of time is essential.
- Easy to Customize: From choosing the type of protein (ground beef, chicken, shrimp, etc.) to selecting toppings and garnishes, everyone can create a bowl suited to their tastes.
- Healthier Option: You can make this dish using wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to fast food or takeout options.
- Budget-Friendly: Making a taco bowl at home is often more budget-friendly than ordering takeout or dining out. With simple and affordable ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
What Type of Meat to Use
You can use whatever protein you like. I used ground beef, but there are plenty of other options.
- Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken is another delicious protein option for taco bowls. You can also grab pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store to keep it simple.
- Steak: Sliced steak can add a hearty and savory element. You can use cuts like skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin, which cook quickly.
- Pork: Pork options such as seasoned ground pork, pork carnitas (slow-cooked and shredded pork), or thinly sliced pork loin are excellent choices. Pork pairs well with bold flavors and can be seasoned with spices like cumin and smoked paprika.
- Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef and can be seasoned similarly for taco bowls. It's a great option for those looking for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Seafood: For a lower calorie option, you can use seafood like shrimp or fish.
How to Make Taco Bowls
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add diced onions, and garlic.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef and taco seasoning.
- Break down the ground beef.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Pair the taco beef with toppings.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
I love to make this using my Homemade Taco Seasoning. Combine the following: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. I like to add red pepper as well for additional spice. The serving size of each ingredient is listed in the recipe card below.
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Additional Toppings and Substitutions
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
- Smoked Salsa
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans
- Guacamole
- Pollo Asado Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Salsa Verde
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Corn
- Fresh Mixed Greens
- Spinach
- Pickled red onions
- Cabbage slaw
- Bell Peppers
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the contents are heated through, stirring halfway through the heating process to ensure even reheating.
To reheat on the stove, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is heated through. This typically takes 5-7 minutes.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover meat in airtight containers or bags for up to 4 months. Prior to freezing, make sure you have drained all excess fat and wait until the beef reaches room temperature. Do not freeze the beef while it's hot. Defrost in the fridge overnight when you are ready to use. Check out my tips on How to Freeze Cooked Ground Beef here.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
Smoked Salsa Recipe
Pork Belly Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Southwest Salad Recipe
Steak Stir Fry
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Taco Bowl Recipe
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- shredded cheese
- salsa
Homemade Taco Seasoning (You can use a store-bought blend if you wish)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 /2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for spicy
Instructions
- Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, and garlic.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and all of the spices.
- Use a meat chopper or spoon to break down the ground beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Pair the taco beef with rice (or cauliflower rice), cheese, salsa, or any of your favorite toppings.
Notes
Topping Ideas
- Salsa
- Salsa Verde
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Fresh Mixed Greens
- Spinach
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Noelle says
I love adding riced cauliflower to my tacos and burrito bowls! Adding veggies is always a good idea, great pictures! Has my mouth watering
Jenn says
Love the cilantro lime cauliflower rice as a base here! We have taco night once a week and I'm always looking for ways to keep things healthy - thanks for the tasty recipe!
Shauna says
This taco seasoning is so good. Way better than packaged and without all the crap.
staysnatched says
haha! I feel the same way!
Brooke says
Loved these! Easy and delicious.
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!
Nicole Moreau says
The entire family enjoyed this! I used the same seasonings on some black beans for my daughter who is vegetarian (someone come get her ?)and everything was gone in a few minutes! Thanks for making delicious and healthy recipes.
staysnatched says
LOL at someone come get her! You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Gigi says
Quick, easy, and delicious! I subbed ground turkey for ground beef, otherwise I kept the recipe the same. I was shocked at how quickly everything came together. The perfect meal to prepare when you want a homemade meal after a long day at work.
staysnatched says
This is my go-to quick recipe!
Edith says
Taco seasoning was so good. And the combo of the cauliflower rice with the ground beef was delicious ! My kids loved it. Thank you!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Shelby Cloud says
Oh my goodness. I have made other taco bowls in the past, but this one is next level with the cilantro lime cauliflower rice. I think my husband and I found a new favorite to add to our easy weeknight recipe collection.
staysnatched says
Yes! So quick and easy for tacos!
Ashley says
Super quick and easy to make! Love how flavorful it was! Sooo goooood! Definitely going to be my go to recipe now!
staysnatched says
This is my favorite quick and easy way to make tacos!
Nicki says
I’ve been looking to make healthier changes! Starting with tacos! The taco seasoning is fire and easy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Kyle Davis says
A staple in my house — quick and easy and great for leftovers. Thank you!
staysnatched says
This is a good one for sure!
Stephanie says
This recipe was delicious and I especially loved the taco seasoning blend. It’s much more flavorful than any store bought taco seasoning I’ve had. We’ve made the recipe twice already and I’m looking forward to making it again soon.
staysnatched says
Yay! This one is in my frequent rotation!
Amy says
I love this recipe! It’s one of those things I felt like I should have known how to make but never did. One night, I had planned to make this, got all the ingredients, thawed the beef, but then was not in the mood to cook. But I did it anyway and it was so quick and easy I was glad I did it. I’ve since made it several more times! So tasty, so easy to make, so easy to adjust to your taste preferences.
staysnatched says
Yay! This is one of the meals that is actually quick and easy to make!
Blaze White says
One of the best dishes i've made by far this year!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Karen says
Delish seasoning! Cauliflower rice is great substitution for rice. I combined ground turkey breast and lean ground turkey since I didn’t have any beef! Definitely making again!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Pinky says
This was fantastic and filling, and there was not a molecule left of the beef or cauliflower rice! I served it with a few of the suggested toppings, and also sliced black olives and chopped scallions. I put hot sauce on mine because I like it spicy.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Erika says
This was really delicious and I see it becoming a staple in our meal rotation. I loved how easy it was. The taco spice blend is perfect. I used ground turkey instead of beef. I added black beans as a carb since the base was cauliflower rice. This was filling but did leave us overly stuffed. Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah S says
So quick and easy to make. I love how customizable the recipe is. Was also very delicious and filling. Highly recommend.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it.
Melissa Rice says
Yall this was soooooo good! I love tacos, like love. And this is a great way to still get a fulfilling lunch/dinner without all the carbs.This was my first time making cauliflower rice and it was super easy. My son who is also picky and doesn't like rice at all, loved the cauliflower rice!
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Ashley says
Loved these taco bowls tonight! They are so easy to put together and customize per individual with no compromise on flavor!
staysnatched says
So easy to customize!
Marissa J says
I cooked this meal today and OMG it was DELICIOUS!!! This was my first time using cauliflower rice and my first time making a taco bowl instead of tacos. I will NEVER make tacos with a shell again!! I was so surprised it tasted so good. I did add some pinto beans, olives and onions because I’m extra. To top it off, this is low carb…..WINNER!!! You definitely need to make this. You won’t regret it!!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Valerie Smith says
This was so good and a quick recipe to prepare! Thanks Brandi. I made mine plant base this time with Beyond Meat, your cilantro cauliflower rice and Daiya and Violife cheddar cheese shreds. Also added black beans? tomatoes and cilantro. My family loved it including my 17 month old grandson. Definitely will be making this again...next time using real cheese..lol
staysnatched says
haha yes!
Nek C says
I’ve been enjoying making and eating the low carb meals Brandi offers. This was SO good and gave me the taco craving I had. The seasoning?! Say no more…happy to know we don’t need store bought items for much.
staysnatched says
That's what I love, too!
Amanda G. says
So good!!!! I used turkey meat and added bell peppers and corn, refried beans and spinach. Topped on your instant pot brown rice with some hot sauce and cheese, it really hit the spot. Chipotle and qdoba who?!
staysnatched says
haha! I love to hear it.
Diana P says
Love this recipe. It’s super quick to make. It satisfies the picky eaters as they can add whatever they like. It’s a great option for when you have friends and family over. Everyone is happy.
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Sydney says
Perfect dish to meal prep for lunch! Truly under 30 minutes
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.