Taco Fiesta Bowls

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Taco Fiesta Bowls is the perfect, quick weeknight go-to dinner for two or a fun meal for entertaining family and friends!

Taco fiesta bowls are on the menu nearly every time we have a family get-together or party with friends! They're simple to make and everyone loves to build their own bowl! For our bowls, folks have lettuce, rice, grilled chicken, Pico de gallo, avocado or guacamole, cheese, tortilla strips, and beans to choose from. Add spicy ranch and toss for the perfect mix.

Along with Taco Fiesta Bowls, my Frito Taco Bake and Taco Ring are both big crowd pleasers! My family also loves them with Easy Empanadas!

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Customization: Build your own taco bowls allows everyone to choose ingredients based on their own preferences and dietary restrictions.
Variety: Taco bowls offer a wide range of ingredients, such as different proteins (beef, chicken, tofu), veggies, cheeses, salsas, and sauces.
Interactive Dining: Assembling taco bowls can be a fun and engaging social activity, especially for gatherings or parties.
Make Ahead Dinner Ease: This is an excellent meal to have all of the components ready ahead of a get-together so that you can socialize with your guests.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the end of this post for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

Romaine Lettuce Heads: Add freshness, crunch, and nutritional value. They also contribute to the overall texture and color of the dish.
Rice of Choice: Adds substance, texture, and balance to a taco bowl.
Chicken: Provides a source of protein and adds flavor to the dish.
Pico de Gallo: Provides a refreshing and tangy flavor. Salsa can range from mild to spicy and adds moisture to the dish.
Avocado or Guacamole: Offers creaminess, richness, and a slightly nutty flavor. It adds a cool contrast to the other warm and spicy ingredients.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds creaminess, richness, and a salty flavor. It can also help bind the ingredients together.
Tortilla Strips: Adds a savory crunch which adds to the overall textural satisfaction.
Taco Flavored Black Beans: Provides protein, fiber, texture, and nutritional value, making them a valuable and versatile ingredient. These Instant Pot Black Beans are also an excellent topper!
Spicy Ranch or Ranch: Adds a cooling element to balance out the heat from spices and salsa. It also provides a creamy texture.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Taco Bowls

Make pico de gallo (or use pre-made store-bought).
Slice avocados or make homemade guacamole (or use pre-made store-bought).
Shred the cheese.
Cube cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Set up a bowl making station for everyone to make their own bowls.

Tips and Substitutions

If you’re store isn’t stocked with or you’re unable to find Bush's® Sidekicks™ Taco Fiesta™ Black Beans, you can use their Southwest Zest Sidekicks flavor or with regular canned black beans or charro beans.
Romaine lettuce, iceberg, green leaf, or mixed greens work in this bowl.
If you prefer seasoned rice, simply toss the cooked rice with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and ½-1 teaspoon garlic salt.
Freshly grilled, crispy, or rotisserie chicken are all excellent proteins for this dish. Seasoned and chopped steak or shrimp are also delicious options.
Crushed tortilla chips can be used in place of tortilla strips.
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Colby jack are also excellent cheese choices for this recipe.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover taco bowl ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep proteins, vegetables, and sauces in separate containers to maintain freshness. Reheat individual components as needed and assemble the bowl just before serving.

This is not an ideal meal for freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a taco bowl vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can use plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or beans as a replacement for meat. Load your bowl with vegetables, guacamole, salsa, and vegan cheese for a delicious vegan taco bowl.

What are some common taco bowl toppings?

Common taco bowl toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Can I prepare taco bowls in advance for meal prep?

Yes, taco bowls are great for meal prep. Prepare individual components and store them in containers. Assemble the bowls just before eating to ensure freshness and prevent sogginess. Store the assembled bowls in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Is a taco bowl gluten-free?

A taco bowl can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free ingredients, such as corn tortillas (for a base), and ensure that all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm that the products you use do not contain gluten.

What kind of rice is best for taco bowls?

For taco bowls, you can use various types of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or even cilantro-lime rice for added flavor. Choose the type of rice that you prefer or that complements the other flavors in your taco bowl.

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