How to Make the Perfect Beef and Black Bean Taco Bowl
Mexican · Easy · 25 min · 3 servings
This satisfying taco bowl combines seasoned ground beef with protein-rich black beans creating a double protein punch that exceeds 40 grams per serving. It is a versatile meal prep friendly dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Why this recipe works
This Beef and Black Bean Taco Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 43g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g lean ground beef 90 percent lean
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup salsa
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining, then drain excess fat.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Add the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to the cooked beef and stir well to coat every piece of meat in the spice mixture. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes allowing the spices to bloom in the heat and become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Beans and Salsa
Pour the rinsed black beans and salsa into the skillet and stir everything together until fully combined. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Build the Bowls
Divide the beef and bean mixture evenly into three bowls as a base and add your desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for up to 4 days.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black beans → kidney beans or pinto beans
- salsa → diced tomatoes with half a teaspoon of lime juice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining the fat from the cooked beef which makes the dish greasy and overpowers the spice flavors
- Skipping the step of blooming the spices in the pan which results in a flat and underdeveloped flavor profile
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 43g protein, 38g carbs, 20g fat, 10g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →