Restaurant-Style Taco Rice Bowl

(EASY 30-MINUTE DINNER)

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS

TACO MEAT

1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional if using very lean meat)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning page 2. )
½ cup water

RICE

3 cups cooked rice (Choose your favorite)
Jasmine rice
Brown rice
Wild rice blend
Quinoa (optional)
Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
Toppings
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup diced red onion
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Salsa or pico de gallo
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Jalapeños (optional)

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and toppings you choose.

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 75 g)

Nutrition at a Glance

Calories: 525
Protein: 31 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 4 g
Total Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 690 mg

NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS

✔ RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS FROM KALE AND BLUEBERRIES

✔ EXCELLENT SOURCE OF FIBER

✔ HEALTHY FATS FROM AVOCADO AND WALNUTS

✔ COMPLETE PLANT PROTEIN FROM QUINOA

Helpful Tip

Make It Lighter

Load up on extra lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables for added volume and nutrients.

Use lean ground turkey or ground chicken.

Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

Choose reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount.

Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate option.

Restaurant-Style Homemade Seasoning Mix

INSPIRED BY THE CLASSIC CHI-CHI’S® RESTAURANT SEASONING MIX

THIS HOMEMADE SEASONING BLEND IS INSPIRED BY THE MILD, SAVORY FLAVOR OF THE CLASSIC CHI-CHI’S® RESTAURANTE SEASONING MIX. IT’S MADE WITH SIMPLE PANTRY INGREDIENTS, CONTAINS NO PRESERVATIVES, AND HAS BECOME MY FAVORITE SEASONING FOR TACO BOWLS, BURRITOS, NACHOS, TACO SALADS, CASSEROLES, AND EVEN MY HOMEMADE MEXI RANCH DRESSING.

HOW I USE IT
FOR 1 POUND OF GROUND BEEF, TURKEY, OR CHICKEN:
BROWN THE MEAT OVER MEDIUM HEAT.
DRAIN EXCESS GREASE IF NECESSARY.
SPRINKLE 2–2½ TABLESPOONS OF SEASONING OVER THE MEAT.
ADD:
- ½ CUP WATER
- 1 TABLESPOON TOMATO PASTE (OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
SIMMER FOR 5–7 MINUTES UNTIL THE SAUCE THICKENS.
WHY I LOVE THIS BLEND
UNLIKE MANY TACO SEASONING PACKETS, THIS SEASONING LETS THE FLAVORS OF GARLIC, ONION, HERBS, AND GREEN PEPPERS SHINE THROUGH. IT CREATES A MILD, SAVORY TASTE THAT’S PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WHILE STILL BEING INCREDIBLY FLAVORFUL.

MEXI RANCH DRESSING

PERFECT FOR TACO BOWLS, SALADS, FRIES, BURGERS, WRAPS, CHICKEN, AND VEGETABLES.

READY IN:

10MINS

INGREDIENTS:

SERVES: 4

½ cup sour cream
½ cup prepared Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Dressing
¼ cup mild salsa1 teaspoon Restaurant-Style Homemade Seasoning Mix
Salt and pepper to taste

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 75 g)

Nutrition at a Glance

Calories: 105
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: Less than 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mgSodium: 300 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THIS A COPYCAT CHI-CHI’S® RESTAURANTE SEASONING MIX?

THIS RECIPE IS INSPIRED BY THE CLASSIC GREEN PACKET OF CHI-CHI’S® RESTAURANTE SEASONING MIX THAT MANY FAMILIES REMEMBER. WHILE IT ISN’T THE ORIGINAL RECIPE, IT RECREATES THAT SAME MILD, SAVORY FLAVOR USING SIMPLE PANTRY INGREDIENTS.

WHY DOESN’T THIS SEASONING CONTAIN CHILI POWDER?

TRADITIONAL TACO SEASONING RELIES HEAVILY ON CHILI POWDER FOR ITS BOLD FLAVOR.

THIS RESTAURANT-STYLE BLEND FOCUSES MORE ON GARLIC, ONION, HERBS, CUMIN, AND GREEN PEPPERS FOR A MILDER, MORE VERSATILE SEASONING.

IF YOU ENJOY A STRONGER TACO FLAVOR, SIMPLY ADD 1–2 TEASPOONS CHILI POWDER.

CAN I MAKE THIS SPICY?

ABSOLUTELY.

INCREASE THE:

Crushed jalapeño
Cayenne pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes

TO SUIT YOUR TASTE.

WHAT CAN I USE THIS SEASONING ON?

THIS SEASONING IS DELICIOUS IN:

Taco Rice Bowls
Burritos
Taco Salads
Nachos
Taco Soup
Quesadillas
Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Casseroles
Ground Turkey
Chicken
Shrimp
Roasted Vegetables

CAN I USE THIS TO MAKE MEXI RANCH?

YES!

THIS SEASONING IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT IN MY HOMEMADE MEXI RANCH DRESSING, GIVING IT THAT FAMILIAR RESTAURANT FLAVOR WITHOUT RELYING ON STORE-BOUGHT TACO SEASONING PACKETS.

STORAGE

STORE IN AN AIRTIGHT SPICE JAR FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS IN A COOL, DRY PANTRY.

SIMPLE LIFE MEALS TIP

I ALMOST NEVER BUY TACO SEASONING PACKETS ANYMORE. THIS HOMEMADE BLEND HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE PANTRY STAPLES BECAUSE IT’S EASY TO MIX, FULL OF FLAVOR, AND WORKS IN SO MANY RECIPES. I USE IT IN MY IRRESISTIBLE TACO RICE BOWL, HOMEMADE MEXI RANCH DRESSING, TACO SALADS, NACHOS, CASSEROLES, AND MORE.

MEAL PREP TIPS

RIGHT AFTER THE FAQ SECTION.

INCLUDE:

Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze taco meat up to 3 months.
Keep toppings separate.
Add avocado just before serving.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing meals ahead for a busy week, or simply looking for an easy dinner everyone will enjoy, I hope this Restaurant-Style Taco Rice Bowl becomes a recipe you’ll make again and again. With my homemade Restaurant-Style Seasoning Mix, fresh toppings, and a drizzle of creamy Mexi Ranch Dressing, every bowl is packed with comforting, restaurant-inspired flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Swap the protein, choose your favorite rice, load on your favorite toppings, or try one of the anti-inflammatory substitutions to create a bowl that’s perfect for your family and your table.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite toppings or any creative twists you added. Your ideas may inspire someone else’s next family dinner.

Until next time, may your kitchen be filled with simple meals, happy hearts, and memories made around the table.

Happy cooking! 🌻💛

— Shelia | Simple Life Meals