Name: Taco Rice Bowls with Doritos: A Weeknight Winner!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 bag Doritos, crushed; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1/4 cup salsa; 1/4 cup sour cream

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This Taco Rice Bowls with Doritos recipe has been a lifesaver on countless busy evenings. I used to struggle with getting my kids to eat their vegetables, but when they’re nestled amongst flavorful beef, rice, and, yes, Doritos, they devour them! It’s become a family tradition, and I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it even easier and more delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your rotation too.

INGREDIENTS:

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these fantastic taco rice bowls. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; this recipe is super adaptable!

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1 pound ground beef: I always use lean ground beef (90/10) to cut down on the grease. The USDA Ground Beef Information is a great resource for understanding the different types of ground beef and how to handle it safely.
1 packet taco seasoning: I usually grab the low-sodium kind, but any brand will do. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
1 cup cooked rice: I prefer long-grain white rice, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa work great. I have a recipe for street corn chicken rice bowl, you can find here Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl if you want something a little different.

1/2 cup water: This helps the taco seasoning mix well with the ground beef.
1 cup shredded lettuce: I like using romaine or iceberg lettuce for the crunch.
1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or even canned diced tomatoes will work.

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend – whatever you have on hand!
1/4 cup sour cream: Or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
1/4 cup salsa: Choose your favorite heat level!

1 bag (about 10 ounces) Doritos: Nacho Cheese is the classic choice, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili are also delicious. Visit the Doritos Official Website for more flavor inspiration.
Optional toppings: Avocado, black olives, green onions, jalapenos – the possibilities are endless!

Here’s a trick I learned from my mom: buy the big bag of shredded cheese! It’s almost always cheaper per ounce than the smaller bags, and you can store the extra in the freezer. As for storage tips, if you have leftover cooked ground beef, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this is super easy, even on the busiest nights.

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Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. In my kitchen, this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the ground beef to get a good sear. A good sear enhances the flavor and texture of the beef, preventing it from steaming instead of browning.

Drain the excess grease: This step is important, especially if you’re using ground beef that isn’t super lean. Nobody wants a greasy taco bowl! I usually just tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease. You can also use a colander to drain the grease more thoroughly. For even healthier cooking, consider rinsing the browned beef with hot water to remove additional fat.
Add taco seasoning and water: Pour the taco seasoning packet over the browned beef, then add the water. Stir well to combine. Ensure the taco seasoning is evenly distributed to avoid clumps and uneven flavor. You can also add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for an extra layer of flavor.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. While that’s cooking, I like to chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Simmering the beef covered helps the flavors penetrate deeply, creating a more cohesive and flavorful base for your taco bowl.

Prepare the Doritos: While the beef is simmering, crush the Doritos in the bag. You can use your hands or a rolling pin. I like to leave some bigger pieces for extra crunch. Crushing the Doritos to the right consistency is key. Too fine, and they’ll become soggy quickly; too coarse, and they might be hard to eat.
Assemble the bowls: Now comes the fun part! In individual bowls, layer the rice, seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Encourage everyone to customize their bowls to their liking. This is a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process and ensure they eat their veggies!
Top with crushed Doritos: Generously sprinkle the crushed Doritos over each bowl. Don’t be shy with the Doritos – they’re the star of the show!

Add any extra toppings: If you’re using any other toppings, like avocado or jalapenos, add them now. Consider setting up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowls to their exact preferences.
Serve immediately: These bowls are best served right away, while the Doritos are still crunchy. Freshness is key to enjoying the textural contrast of the crunchy Doritos and the other ingredients.

I learned the hard way that it’s best to add the Doritos right before serving. If you add them too early, they’ll get soggy. Also, when browning the ground beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you do, the beef will steam instead of brown. If this happens, don’t panic! Just remove some of the beef and brown it in batches. My secret for extra flavorful ground beef is to add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce while it’s browning. It adds a depth of flavor that everyone will love!

SERVING IDEAS:

This dish is so versatile! The kids love it when I let them customize their own bowls. I put out all the toppings in little bowls and let them create their own masterpieces. This is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a game-day party.

My go-to side dishes are a simple side salad or some Mexican street corn. You can find my recipe here What Pairs Well With Yellow Rice. I learned that using clear bowls makes the presentation even more appealing, as you can see all the colorful layers. If you have extras (which is rare in my house!), you can store the individual components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls the next day.

For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted sweet potatoes and black beans in the fall. During summer barbecues, I like to grill the corn and add it to the bowls for a smoky flavor. My friends always ask for the recipe when I make this for parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs:

Oh, I’m so glad you asked! I get so many questions about this recipe, so I’ve compiled a few of the most common ones here:

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or even crumbled tofu. Just make sure to season them with taco seasoning.
Can I use a different kind of chip? Of course! While Doritos are the classic choice, you can use any kind of crunchy tortilla chip. I’ve even used Fritos before, and it was surprisingly delicious!

Can I make this ahead of time? You can definitely prep the individual components ahead of time. Cook the ground beef, chop the veggies, and cook the rice. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
My Doritos got soggy! What did I do wrong? Oh no! This happens to the best of us. The key is to add the Doritos right before serving. If you add them too early, they’ll absorb moisture from the other ingredients and get soggy.
Can I freeze this? You can freeze the cooked ground beef, but I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire assembled bowl. The lettuce and tomatoes will get mushy, and the Doritos will definitely lose their crunch.

My kids don’t like sour cream. What can I substitute? You can use plain Greek yogurt, avocado crema, or even just skip it altogether.
Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! The more veggies, the better! Corn, bell peppers, and onions are all great additions.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. There are tons of recipes online!

How can I make this spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef while it’s cooking, or use a spicier salsa. You can also add some diced jalapenos to the bowls.

You know what I do when I’m running low on sour cream? I mix a little bit of milk into the remaining sour cream to thin it out. It works like a charm!

Conclusion:

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This taco rice bowl with doritos recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so much more than just a meal. It’s a symbol of those crazy weeknights when I needed a quick, easy, and delicious solution. It’s a reminder of the power of simple ingredients and creative thinking. And most importantly, it’s a dish that brings my family together around the dinner table.

My Pro Tips:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. The possibilities are endless!
Use a food processor to chop the veggies quickly. This is a huge time-saver!

Make a big batch of seasoned ground beef and freeze it in individual portions. This way, you’ll always have a quick and easy meal on hand.

As for variations, my husband loves it with extra jalapenos, while the kids prefer it with extra cheese. I’ve tried it with black beans, corn, and even roasted sweet potatoes. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your family’s preferences. I’d love to hear how you make this your own! Do you prefer a different kind of chip? Or maybe you have a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level?

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as my family and I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. So don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Just relax, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun!