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High Protein Taco Rice Bowls - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Meal

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey, chicken, or 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2–3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium broth or water
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Pico de gallo or salsa
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Corn (thawed frozen or canned and drained)

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. Cook according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm.
  2. Prep the spice blend. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Brown the meat. Add ground meat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season and simmer. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize. Add the spice blend and toss to coat. Pour in broth or water and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the beans. Stir in black beans. Simmer 3–5 minutes, until saucy and thick. Squeeze in half a lime and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the taco meat and bean mixture. Add cheese so it melts slightly, then finish with your favorite toppings.
  8. Finish with freshness. Add a final squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for brightness.