Description
Loaded Rice Bowl with Beef, Corn, Cheese, and Sour Cream
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
1 cup rice
2 cups water
Salt, to taste
For the Toppings:
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
Tortilla chips
Instructions:
Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Toppings:
If using frozen corn, heat it in the microwave or sauté it in a pan for a few minutes.
Shred the lettuce and chop the green onions.
Assemble the Bowl:
Start by placing a layer of rice at the bottom of your serving bowl.
Top with the seasoned beef, followed by corn, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and shredded lettuce.
Add a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.
Serve this loaded rice bowl for a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and packed with delicious layers!
Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep All Components: Begin by rinsing your rice and chopping your green onions and lettuce. Measure out all other toppings and spices. This “mise en place” makes assembly quick.
2. Cook the Rice: Use the absorption method as described. For more flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
3. Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Heat your skillet until hot before adding the oil and beef. Allow the beef to sear and brown properly to develop rich flavor, breaking it into small crumbles.
4. Season and Simmer: After draining excess fat from the beef, add the spices. Let the seasoned beef cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Warm the Toppings: Briefly heat the corn and warm the tortilla chips in a low oven for extra crunch.
6. Layer Strategically: Assemble in the order listed, starting with the warm rice and beef base, followed by corn and cheese (so the cheese melts slightly), then finishing with cool toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bowl immediately while components are at their ideal temperatures. For a fun, interactive meal, set up a topping bar with small bowls of ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black beans, salsa, guacamole, and different cheese blends. This allows everyone to customize their bowl. Pair with a light, citrusy salad or a cold Mexican beer or agua fresca to balance the richness.
How-to Summary
This loaded rice bowl is built in three simple stages: cook fluffy rice, brown and season ground beef with cumin and powders, and prepare fresh/cold toppings. Assemble in layers starting with the warm base ingredients and finishing with cold, creamy elements for a perfect contrast in texture and temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or seasoned black beans make excellent substitutes for the ground beef.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the beef while cooking, use a pepper jack cheese, or drizzle with hot sauce or a spicy crema.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store components separately in airtight containers. Reheat the rice and beef mixture gently in the microwave with a splash of water. Add fresh cold toppings after reheating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the rice and beef 1-2 days in advance. Reheat them separately before assembling. Prepare fresh toppings like lettuce and sour cream just before serving.
Is there a way to make this lower-carb? Yes. Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice and replace the tortilla chips with a side of sliced avocado or enjoy the toppings over a bed of extra shredded lettuce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: This leads to a mushy base. Follow liquid ratios precisely and let it steam off the heat, covered, for 5 minutes after simmering.
- Underseasoning the Beef: Don’t just add salt and pepper. Bloom the dried spices (cumin, garlic powder) in the oil/fat for 30 seconds before adding the beef for a deeper flavor.
- Adding Cold Toppings Too Early: Adding sour cream and lettuce to very hot components can cause wilting and melting. Let the rice and beef cool slightly or add these last.
- Skipping the Rice Rinse: Not rinsing rice can result in a gummy, sticky texture as excess starch cooks on the surface.
Conclusion
This Loaded Rice Bowl is the ultimate customizable and satisfying meal, perfectly balancing warm, seasoned beef and fluffy rice with cool, creamy, and crunchy toppings. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its versatility with ingredients and ease of preparation make it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Dig in and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and texture in every bite.