Taco Rice: A Fiesta Of Flavor In Every Bite (Print version)

Warm rice topped with saucy taco beef, crisp lettuce, tomato salsa, cheese, and cilantro for a fast dinner bowl.

# Ingredients:

For the quick salsa

01 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
02 - 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
03 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
05 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the taco beef

06 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil
07 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
08 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
18 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or beef broth
19 - 1 teaspoon gluten-free tamari

For serving

20 - 4 cups hot cooked short-grain or medium-grain white rice
21 - 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
22 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded Mexican-style cheese
23 - 1 avocado, sliced
24 - Lime wedges and hot sauce, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Stir the tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside while you cook the beef.
02 - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and red onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until browned.
03 - Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the tomato paste, water or broth, and tamari. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is glossy and cooked through to 160°F.
05 - Divide the hot cooked rice among 4 bowls. Spoon the taco beef over the rice, then sprinkle with cheese so it softens slightly.
06 - Top each bowl with shredded lettuce, tomato salsa, avocado, lime wedges, and hot sauce. Serve right away while the rice and beef are warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Keep hot rice and beef separate from cold toppings until serving.
02 - Use certified gluten-free spices and tamari if cooking for a gluten-free diet.
03 - Ground beef should reach 160°F for food safety.