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Simple Taco Bowl Meat

Updated: 7 days ago

There’s nothing like a good Taco Tuesday (anyday). This flavourful taco beef is an easy protein anchor for colourful taco bowls, lettuce wraps, tacos, or roasted sweet potatoes.

The best part? The beef is just the beginning. Load up the rest of your plate with colourful vegetables, fibre-rich sides, fresh herbs, and healthy fats to turn a simple taco night into a seriously nourishing meal.

Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes


INGREDIENTS


  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 can (14 oz / 398 mL) petite diced tomatoes, preferably no-salt-added

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp mild chili powder

  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

  • ¾–1 tsp sea salt, to taste

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 2–4 tbsp water or broth, only if needed

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

  • Extra lime wedges, for serving


INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Let some of the beef develop a little colour before stirring, this adds great flavour.

  3. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated.

  4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring it into the beef. This helps deepen and concentrate the flavour.

  5. Add the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Simmer uncovered for approximately 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some of the liquid has reduced and the mixture is juicy but not watery. Add a splash of broth or water only if it becomes too dry.

  7. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt, lime, or spices as needed.

  8. Finish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favourite sides.


BUILD YOUR TACO PLATE

Think of the taco beef as your protein anchor, and then build goodness around it.

The more colour, texture, and variety you add, the more fibre, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats you bring to the meal. It also makes it so much more fun!


Start with plenty of vegetables:

  • Shredded lettuce or crunchy romaine

  • Finely shaved Brussels sprouts

  • Clean coleslaw or shredded cabbage

  • Sautéed peppers and onions

  • Chopped tomatoes

  • Radishes

  • Roasted cauliflower

  • Fresh or grilled corn

  • Cilantro

Add a smart carbohydrate if desired:

  • Roasted sweet potato

  • Black beans

  • Brown or white rice

  • Corn tortillas

Finish with flavour + healthy fats:

  • Avocado or guacamole

  • Lime Yogurt Crema

  • Pumpkin seeds

  • Banana peppers or pickled jalapeños

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Lime wedges


Don't underestimate the sides.

Adding a generous handful of shaved Brussels sprouts, cabbage or greens, some roasted sweet potato or beans, avocado, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime does so much more than make the bowl taste better.

It adds fibre, vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, carotenoids, polyphenols, and greater plant diversity — while making the meal more filling and satisfying.

This is one of my favourite ways to think about nutrition: don't just focus on what you're taking away. Look for opportunities to add more goodness to your plate.


APPROXIMATE NUTRITION

Per serving, taco beef only, based on 4 servings

  • Calories: ~280–320

  • Protein: ~25–28 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~7–9 g

  • Fibre: ~1–2 g

  • Fat: ~17–20 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the leanness of the beef and brand of tomatoes used.


TIPS & NOTES

  • Choose petite diced tomatoes so they disappear nicely into the beef rather than leaving large tomato pieces.

  • Don't rush the browning step, colour means flavour.

  • Tomato paste adds richness while diced tomatoes keep the meat juicy.

  • Add lime after cooking for the freshest flavour.

  • Double the recipe and keep leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches.

  • Make taco night interactive: put several vegetable sides and toppings on the table and let everyone build their own.


WHY I LOVE THIS

This is one of those meals that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. The taco beef gives us a delicious protein-rich foundation, but it's everything we build around it that makes the meal really shine.

Set out all the toppings and sides, add as much colour as you can, and build your own. More plants, more textures, more nutrients, more goodness.

Simple food can still be incredibly nourishing.


Your partner in health and longevity,

Stacie Mylonas, RHN


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