Easy Taco Protein Bowl

A quick and easy high-protein taco bowl made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, fresh vegetables, cilantro lime rice, and homemade guacamole. A delicious, filling dinner made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

A vibrant taco bowl featuring fresh lettuce, seasoned ground meat, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of herbs, all beautifully arranged beside a fork on a textured tablecloth.

If you're looking for another easy, protein-packed dinner that doesn't require spending hours in the kitchen, this taco protein bowl is one of my favorites! It's loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, fresh vegetables, and homemade cilantro lime rice, all topped with creamy guacamole and a drizzle of spicy taco sauce.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this a great last-minute dinner when you don't know what to cook. You can add more of your favorite toppings, switch up the vegetables, or adjust the portions however you like. It's simple, filling, and full of flavor!

Taco Bowl Ingredients

For the Ground Beef

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• Ground beef (1 cup cooked per bowl)

• Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning, to taste

For the Taco Bowl

• 1/2 cup black beans (I used canned)

• 1/2 cup shredded salad greens

• 1/3 cup corn

• 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup cooked cilantro lime rice

• Trader Joe's Spicy Taco Sauce, for drizzling

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup rice, uncooked

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Fresh lime/lemon juice

For the Homemade Guacamole

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1/2 jalapeño, finely diced

• Green onions, diced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Fresh lime/Lemon juice

A vibrant array of fresh ingredients featuring corn, cherry tomatoes, seasonings, black beans, and creamy guacamole, perfect for a flavorful dish.

Taco Bowl Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef.

   Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning.

   
   

   Using a meat masher, break the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for approximately 6 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.

   
   

2. Prepare the cilantro lime rice.

   Cook 1 cup of rice for approximately 15 minutes, or until tender.

   Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat and add freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Gently mix everything together until the cilantro and lime are evenly distributed throughout the rice.

   
   

   This adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasoned ground beef.

   
   

3. Make the homemade guacamole.

   Cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.

   Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your preferred consistency. Finely dice half a jalapeño, green onions, and fresh cilantro, then add them to the mashed avocado.

   Season with salt and black pepper, followed by a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Mix everything together and set aside.

   
   

4. Prepare the taco bowl toppings.

   Rinse and drain the canned black beans, then prepare the remaining toppings.

   
   

   Shred the salad greens, dice the tomatoes, and have the corn ready to assemble. I love using ingredients that I already have in my refrigerator or pantry to keep this recipe as simple as possible.

   
   

5. Assemble the taco protein bowl.

   Start by adding a cup of the cooked seasoned ground beef to your plate or bowl.

   Add a cup of cilantro lime rice, followed by 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/2 cup of shredded salad greens, 1/3 cup of corn, and 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes.

   Arrange everything in sections to create a colorful, delicious taco bowl.

   
   

6. Add the guacamole and taco sauce.

   Top your bowl with a generous scoop of homemade guacamole.

   
   

   For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle Trader Joe's Spicy Taco Sauce over the top. You can add as much or as little as you prefer, depending on your spice tolerance.

   
   

7. Serve & Enjoy.

   Your homemade taco protein bowl is ready to enjoy!

   
   

   Mix everything together or enjoy each ingredient separately. Feel free to adjust the portions, add your favorite toppings, or customize the bowl to your liking for an easy and satisfying dinner.

   
   

Final Thoughts

This taco protein bowl is proof that making a delicious, filling dinner doesn't have to be complicated. Between the seasoned ground beef, black beans, fresh vegetables, cilantro lime rice, and creamy homemade guacamole, every bite is packed with flavor and a delicious combination of textures.

I especially love making this recipe on busy weeknights because most of the ingredients are things I already have in my pantry. It's easy to put together, packed with protein, and completely customizable depending on what you have on hand. Whether you're cooking for yourself or preparing dinner for the family, this is one of those simple meals you'll want to make again and again!