Cozy Taco Rice Bowl Recipe
This Cozy Taco Rice Bowl layers fluffy rice with saucy taco-seasoned meat, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, and cool creamy toppings for an easy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice warm and fluffy
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning optional, to season the rice
Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 0.5 cup water or low-sodium broth
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 0.5 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 0.25 cup sliced jalapeños optional, for heat
- 1 medium avocado sliced, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 whole lime cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Warm the rice. If using leftover rice, place it in a saucepan with a splash of water, cover, and heat gently over low until hot and steamy. Stir in the optional taco seasoning and fluff with a fork.
- Brown the meat. Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Season and simmer. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and pour in the water or broth. Stir well, then simmer for 3–5 minutes until the liquid slightly thickens and coats the meat.
- Prep toppings. While the meat simmers, shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, slice the jalapeños and avocado, and chop the cilantro. Grate cheese if needed.
- Assemble bowls. Spoon a layer of warm rice into each bowl. Top with a portion of taco meat, then add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro.
- Finish and serve. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime to each Taco Rice Bowl. Serve immediately while the rice and meat are still hot.
Notes
For meal prep, store the rice and meat together in one container and keep the fresh toppings separate. Reheat the warm components, then add crisp toppings just before serving so the textures stay balanced.