Healthy Taco Bowls Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Taco Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt lime crema. It’s a great way to enjoy all the deliciousness of tacos without the extra carbs from tortillas.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef (or any ground meat)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6-8 tbsp Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Salt as needed
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes, cut into pieces
- Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions
- Cilantro
- Radishes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin out the sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the yogurt lime crema by combining the Greek yogurt, lime juice, sea salt, garlic powder, and 1-2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 7 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 3 more minutes to blend the flavors. Add salt to taste if needed.
- Step 5: To assemble the bowls, cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges or bite-sized pieces. Layer the seasoned meat on top, followed by tomatoes, radishes, cilantro, and pickled onions.
- Step 6: Drizzle the yogurt lime crema over the assembled ingredients and finish with a sprinkle of extra taco seasoning if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use romaine lettuce for a crunchier base instead of iceberg.
- To make it vegetarian, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and beans.
- If you like it spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
Storage
Store leftover taco meat and crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lettuce and fresh toppings should be kept fresh and assembled just before serving. Reheat the meat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving. The crema is best served cold and stirred before use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the taco seasoning in advance?
Yes, homemade taco seasoning can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for weeks. This makes it convenient for quick meals like this taco bowl.
What can I use if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream is a great substitute for the lime crema. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt if you need a vegan option.
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Healthy Taco Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and flavorful taco bowl recipe featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy yogurt lime crema. This dish combines sautéed onions and garlic with perfectly spiced meat served atop crunchy iceberg lettuce, topped with fresh tomatoes, radishes, cilantro, and a creamy homemade sauce, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef (or any ground meat)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6–8 tbsp Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Salt as needed
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes, cut into pieces
- Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions
- Cilantro, chopped
- Radishes, sliced
Yogurt Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin out the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Lime Crema: In a bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice, sea salt, garlic powder, and 1-2 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for about 7 minutes or until no pink remains, stirring occasionally to brown evenly.
- Season the Meat: Stir in 6-8 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning and salt as needed. Cook for another 3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
- Prepare the Lettuce Base: While the meat cooks, cut the head of iceberg lettuce into wedges or bite-sized pieces and arrange them as the base of your taco bowls.
- Assemble Taco Bowls: Spoon the seasoned beef over the lettuce base, then top with chopped tomatoes, sliced radishes, cilantro, and Lena’s Kitchen Pickled Onions. Drizzle the yogurt lime crema over the top and finish with a light sprinkle of extra taco seasoning if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different protein option.
- The taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought, adjust the amount according to your preferred spice level.
- The yogurt lime crema can be made dairy-free by using coconut or almond-based yogurt alternatives.
- For extra crunch and nutrition, consider adding avocado slices or black beans to your taco bowls.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep as you can prepare components in advance and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: healthy taco bowls, ground beef taco, low carb taco bowl, Mexican healthy recipes, yogurt lime crema, easy taco bowls, weeknight dinner
