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Quick 15-Minute Lazy Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy recipe for flavorful ground beef taco bowls served with zesty lime cilantro rice, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices or guacamole, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  2. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  5. Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Spoon a generous portion of the lime cilantro rice into bowls, then top with the seasoned ground beef. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, or avocado slices.
  7. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for extra brightness.

Notes

Rinsing the rice prevents it from becoming mushy. Use fresh lime juice and zest for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking beef to ensure proper browning. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, black beans, or lentils for variations. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to keep rice moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco bowls, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, easy taco bowls, weeknight meal, Mexican recipe, 15-minute recipe

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