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Easy One-Skillet Beef Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Cilantro Lime Crema

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A quick and easy one-skillet beef taco rice bowl featuring juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, and a fresh cilantro lime crema. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20), preferably grass-fed
  • 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons beef taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) or store-bought packet
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the cilantro lime crema:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink and browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
  5. Add uncooked rice, beef broth or water, drained black beans, and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly with a lid. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  7. Remove lid and check rice. If tender and liquid is gone, fluff gently with a fork. If needed, cover and simmer a few more minutes.
  8. While rice cooks, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  9. Serve beef taco rice bowl in dishes, drizzle generously with cilantro lime crema, and add optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or jalapeños.

Notes

If rice seems dry before fully cooked, add a splash of water and cover again. Stir only once or twice during simmering to keep rice fluffy. Cilantro lime crema tastes better after resting. For dairy-free crema, substitute sour cream with coconut-based yogurt or cashew cream. Ground beef can be replaced with crumbled tempeh or plant-based crumble for vegetarian version. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time (40-45 minutes) and more liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco rice bowl, one skillet recipe, easy dinner, cilantro lime crema, ground beef recipe, weeknight meal, taco bowl

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