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Easy Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and tasty weeknight meal featuring seasoned ground beef and fresh cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy evenings and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine preferred)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, avocado slices or guacamole, thinly sliced green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 tbsp butter or olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lime, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
  6. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  7. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  9. Add ground beef, break into crumbles, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  10. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over beef. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  12. Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into each bowl, topping with seasoned ground beef.
  13. Add desired toppings such as cheese, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions.
  14. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to ensure fluffiness. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. Let beef brown without stirring too often to develop caramelized bits. Season gradually and taste as you go. Rest rice after cooking to avoid mushiness. Keep rice and beef separate if prepping ahead to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco bowls, cilantro lime rice, easy taco recipe, weeknight dinner, quick meals, Mexican-inspired, flavorful taco bowls

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-flavor-packed-ground-beef-taco-bowls-with-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/