Description
A quick, high-protein weeknight dinner featuring deeply seared, crispy ground beef seasoned with taco spices, served over rice or cauliflower rice with melted cheese and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio)
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or low-sodium packet)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 2 cups bowl base (white rice or cauliflower rice)
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and break it into small, pea-sized crumbles using a spatula.
- Cook until mostly browned, then let the beef sit for a minute without stirring to allow the bottom layer to get dark and crispy. Stir and repeat until crunchy bits form throughout.
- Drain excessive grease if desired.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and add 2-3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and simmer for one minute until liquid evaporates.
- Place the rice or cauliflower rice base in a bowl.
- Top with the crispy seasoned beef and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese, or let sit to melt naturally.
- Add optional toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the beef crisps rather than steams. Break the meat into small crumbles for maximum surface area. If using lean beef, add a teaspoon of oil to help with browning. For meal prep, store beef and toppings separately to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crispy ground beef, taco bowl, 5-ingredient meal, easy dinner, high protein, meal prep, gluten-free, weeknight dinner