High Protein Beef Taco Bowl Recipe

High Protein Beef Taco Bowl Recipe is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 5. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $36.48 total, $7.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 750 g Beef Mince (82 % lean / 18 % fat)
  • 350 g Basmati Rice (Rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 1 can (≈300 g drained) Canned Corn Kernels (Drain, do not rinse)
  • 1 can (≈400 g drained) Black Beans (Rinse under cold water)
  • 120 g Cheddar Cheese (Grated)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (Trimmed and diced)
  • 0.5 large Red Onion (Root left intact for later stock, thinly sliced then diced)
  • 1 Jalapeño (Stem removed, sliced, seeded optional, diced)
  • 7 g Coriander (Cilantro) (Roughly chopped)
  • 2 small Lime (Juiced)
  • 3 Spring Onions (Scallions) (Green stems sliced for garnish; white roots thinly sliced and added to beef)
  • 2 tsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Powder
  • 150 ml Beef, Chicken or Vegetable Stock (Used to deglaze the beef)
  • to taste Sea Salt Flakes
  • to taste Black Pepper (Cracked)
  • as desired Sriracha Mayo (optional) (For drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Char the Corn

    Drain the canned corn in a sieve; do not rinse. Heat a large skillet over medium‑high, add the corn, spread evenly and fry 1½–2 minutes, stirring once to achieve a light golden‑brown color.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  2. Cool the Corn

    Transfer the charred corn to a large plate, spreading it out to cool quickly, then place in the refrigerator until needed.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prepare the Fresh Salsa Ingredients

    Dice the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion (keeping the root intact), dice the jalapeño (remove seeds if less heat is desired), roughly chop the cilantro, and slice the green parts of the spring onions. Juice the limes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Rinse and Drain Beans & Rice

    Place black beans in a sieve and rinse under cold water. Rinse the basmati rice in a bowl until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Cook the Rice

    In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 700 ml cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer 14 minutes without lifting the lid. Turn off heat, keep lid on, and let stand 4 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: High then low

  6. Brown the Beef

    Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the 750 g beef mince, spreading it out. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–7 minutes until fully browned. Season with sea‑salt flakes and cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: High

  7. Drain Excess Fat

    Remove about two‑thirds of the rendered fat into a bowl (reserve for other recipes) and discard the rest.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Season the Beef

    Return the skillet to medium‑high heat. Add ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  9. Deglaze with Stock

    Pour in 150 ml stock, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Reduce the liquid for 1½–2 minutes until it’s about one‑third reduced.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  10. Add Spring‑Onion Roots

    Stir in the thinly sliced white root ends of the spring onions and cook for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  11. Assemble the Corn Salsa

    In a mixing bowl combine the cooled charred corn, diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of sea‑salt and cracked pepper. Toss until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Grate the Cheese

    Grate the cheddar using the largest side of a box grater.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Build the Burrito Bowls

    Divide cooked rice (≈120 g), seasoned beef (≈150 g), grated cheese (≈24 g), corn salsa (≈120 g), and black beans (≈80 g) into five bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the spring onions and drizzle optional sriracha mayo.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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High Protein Beef Taco Bowl Recipe

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A Mexican‑inspired meal‑prep bowl packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy basmati rice, smoky corn salsa, black beans, cheddar cheese and fresh toppings. Makes 5 generous servings that keep up to 5 days in the fridge or 4 months frozen.

MediumMexicanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
36m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.48
Total cost
$7.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Char the corn to develop sweet, nutty flavor.
  • Properly brown and drain the beef to avoid a greasy bowl.
  • Deglaze the pan with stock for depth of flavor.
  • Allow rice to rest off‑heat for fluffy texture.
  • Assemble bowls while ingredients are still warm.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not pour hot rendered fat down the sink; it can solidify and clog drains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef taco style burrito bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

Burrito bowls are a modern, de‑constructed take on the traditional Mexican burrito, allowing diners to enjoy the same flavors without the tortilla. They became popular in the United States as a convenient, high‑protein meal‑prep option while retaining classic Mexican spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of burrito bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, burrito bowls often feature grilled carne asada and pinto beans, while southern versions may include chorizo, black beans, and a spicier salsa with tomatillos. The base can vary from white rice to cilantro‑lime rice, reflecting local preferences.

cultural
Q

How is a beef taco style burrito bowl traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, the components are served separately: a mound of rice, a scoop of seasoned beef, beans, fresh salsa, cheese, and a drizzle of crema. Diners assemble their own bowls, adjusting toppings to taste.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the beef taco style burrito bowl associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Burrito bowls are popular for casual gatherings, family picnics, and street‑food festivals. They are also a staple for everyday meals because they are quick to prepare and can be easily scaled for parties.

cultural
Q

What makes the beef taco style burrito bowl special or unique in Mexican‑inspired cuisine?

A

The dish combines the heartiness of ground beef with the bright, fresh flavors of corn salsa and lime, while the use of basmati rice adds a fluffy texture not always found in traditional Mexican rice. The balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables makes it a complete, nutritious meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef taco style burrito bowls?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the beef (making it dry), using too much water for the rice (resulting in mushy grains), and not draining the canned corn properly, which can make the salsa watery. Also, skipping the quick char on the corn reduces the depth of flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?

A

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky aroma that mimics the flavor of grilled meat, enhancing the taco‑style profile without needing a grill. Regular paprika would provide color but lack that characteristic depth.

technical
Q

Can I make the beef taco style burrito bowls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Prepare the rice, seasoned beef, corn salsa, and beans separately, then store each in airtight containers. Assemble bowls when ready to eat, or keep assembled bowls refrigerated for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef and rice in portion‑size bags for up to four months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the beef is done cooking?

A

The beef should be uniformly browned with no pink spots, and the texture should be crumbly, not mushy. After adding the spices and stock, the mixture should be glossy and slightly saucy, coating each crumb.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

Chef Jack Ovens focuses on practical, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes that are budget‑friendly and suitable for busy home cooks. The channel often features step‑by‑step tutorials with clear explanations of technique and ingredient sourcing.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens emphasizes nutrition and meal‑prep efficiency, using lean proteins and quick‑cook methods while still honoring authentic Mexican flavors. Unlike many channels that prioritize elaborate plating, Chef Jack Ovens keeps the process straightforward and cost‑effective.

channel

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