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High Protein Taco Beef Bowls - A Fast, Filling Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds lean (90–93% works well).
  • Onion: 1 small, diced.
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced.
  • Taco seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons, store-bought or homemade.
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon.
  • Low-sodium beef broth or water: 1/3 cup to help the seasoning coat the beef.
  • Black beans or pinto beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed.
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh).
  • Cooked base: 3–4 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa. Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Fresh veggies: Chopped romaine, shredded cabbage, or mixed greens; diced tomatoes; diced red onion or green onion.
  • Avocado: 1–2, sliced or diced.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For a creamy, high-protein topping.
  • Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
  • Lime: 1–2, cut into wedges.
  • Cilantro: A small handful, chopped.
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.

Method
 

  1. Cook the base: Make your rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir in the tomato paste. Pour in the broth or water. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add beans and corn: Stir in the black beans and corn. Warm through for 2 minutes. If it looks dry, splash in a bit more broth or water.
  6. Prep toppings: While the beef simmers, chop lettuce or greens, dice tomatoes and avocado, shred cheese, and cut lime wedges.
  7. Assemble bowls: Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to each bowl. Top with a generous portion of taco beef, then add greens, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
  8. Adjust heat: If you like it spicier, add hot sauce, jalapeño slices, or a pinch of cayenne to your bowl.