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Quick Better Than Chipotle Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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A quick and flavorful recipe featuring smoky, spiced ground beef paired with bright cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water or beef broth
  • 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, black beans or corn, chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice in cold water until water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water or chicken broth with a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  7. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  9. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper; mix well.
  10. Pour in ¼ cup water or beef broth and simmer for 3-5 minutes until most liquid evaporates but beef remains moist.
  11. Fluff cilantro lime rice with a fork; stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; adjust salt to taste.
  12. Assemble bowls by layering cilantro lime rice, topping with seasoned ground beef, and adding optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Brown the beef well by letting it sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to develop caramelized flavor. Rinse rice thoroughly to achieve fluffy texture. Add extra lime juice or sour cream if rice is dry. Rice can be cooked ahead and reheated with a splash of water. Use a well-seasoned cast iron pan if no non-stick skillet is available. Adjust spice level by omitting or adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

Nutrition

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

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