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Flavorful Lean Ground Beef Taco Bowl Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy lean ground beef taco bowl that combines simple ingredients and bold spices for a satisfying weeknight meal. Flexible and flavorful, perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • 1/2 cup rinsed and drained black beans (optional)
  • 1 fresh tomato, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated cheddar or cotija cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Cook brown rice according to package instructions (about 45 minutes) or sauté cauliflower rice in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes until tender. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Chop veggies: Finely dice onion and mince garlic. Dice tomatoes, slice avocado, and chop cilantro. Have these ready before cooking the beef.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  5. Add beef: Crumble ground beef into skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Break up clumps with spatula.
  6. Optional beans: Stir in black beans and heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Season and finish: Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over mixture and stir.
  8. Assemble the bowl: Place a generous scoop of rice or cauliflower rice in serving bowl. Top with seasoned beef mixture, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded lettuce or spinach, cilantro, and cheese if using.
  9. Final touch: Add a wedge of lime on the side for extra zing. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning of beef. Use moderate heat to avoid drying out lean beef. Bloom spices with onion and garlic for better flavor. Add lime juice last to preserve fresh flavor. Prep all ingredients before cooking for smooth workflow. Optional ingredients like black beans, cheese, and lettuce can be adjusted based on preference. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for brown rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: lean ground beef, taco bowl, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick recipe, healthy taco bowl, low carb, gluten free

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/flavorful-lean-ground-beef-taco-bowl-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/