Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos: Fun Family-Friendly Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves 6 | Kid-Approved
Why You’ll Love This Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos
This playful Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos takes your favorite taco night to the next level! Combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, fresh toppings, and the irresistible crunch of Doritos, this family-friendly meal is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s like having a fiesta in a bowl – customizable, fun to eat, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings Bar:
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
The Star – Doritos:
- 1 large bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- Optional: Cool Ranch Doritos for variety
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Cook rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and season: Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in butter, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Keep warm.
Make the Seasoned Beef:
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning (homemade or packet), diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Prepare Toppings:
- Prep fresh ingredients: While beef cooks, dice avocado, tomatoes, and red onion. Shred lettuce and chop cilantro. Arrange all toppings in small bowls.
- Crush Doritos: Place Doritos in a large zip-lock bag and gently crush with a rolling pin, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Build the base: Divide cilantro-lime rice among 6 bowls, creating a base layer.
- Add protein: Top each bowl with a generous portion of seasoned ground beef.
- Create toppings bar: Set out all toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite combinations.
- The grand finale: Top each bowl with a generous handful of crushed Doritos just before eating for maximum crunch!
Serving and Customization Tips
Build-your-own style: Set up a taco bowl bar and let everyone create their perfect combination Doritos varieties: Try different flavors like Spicy Sweet Chili or Flamin’ Hot Extra crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips alongside Doritos Make it spicy: Offer hot sauce, jalapeños, and spicy salsa options Kid-friendly: Keep spicy elements separate so kids can enjoy mild versions
Recipe Variations
Chicken version: Use seasoned ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken Vegetarian option: Replace beef with seasoned black beans or lentils Beef and bean combo: Add a can of drained pinto or black beans to the beef Breakfast bowl: Top with scrambled eggs and serve for brunch Loaded version: Add corn, black beans, and bell peppers to the mix Healthier twist: Use baked Doritos and add extra vegetables
Storage and Meal Prep
Components separately: Store rice, beef, and toppings in separate containers Refrigerator: Cooked components keep for up to 4 days Reheating: Warm rice and beef separately before assembling Doritos freshness: Add crushed Doritos just before serving to maintain crunch Make-ahead: Prep all components Sunday for easy weeknight meals
Nutritional Benefits
- High protein: Ground beef provides complete amino acids
- Complex carbs: Rice offers sustained energy
- Vitamins: Fresh vegetables add essential nutrients
- Healthy fats: Avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Fiber: Beans and vegetables support digestive health
Kid-Friendly Tips
Fun factor: Let kids crush their own Doritos in sealed bags Customizable: Kids can control their own toppings and spice levels Familiar flavors: Combines beloved taco and chip flavors Interactive eating: Makes dinner feel like a game or party Gateway vegetables: Hides healthy ingredients in fun presentation
Perfect for These Occasions
- Family taco night with a twist
- Kids’ birthday dinner parties
- Casual entertaining and game day
- Back-to-school quick dinners
- Weekend family meal prep
- Potluck contributions that wow
Tips for Best Results
Rice texture: Don’t skip the cilantro and lime – they make the rice special Beef seasoning: Taste and adjust spices to your family’s preference Fresh toppings: Prep vegetables just before serving for best texture Doritos timing: Add chips last to prevent sogginess Temperature contrast: Serve warm rice and beef with cool toppings
Make It a Party
Taco bowl bar: Set up stations with different components Multiple Doritos: Offer 2-3 different flavors for variety Drink pairings: Serve with limeade, horchata, or Mexican sodas Dessert connection: Follow with churros or tres leches cake Music and atmosphere: Play festive music for full fiesta vibes
