Jennifer's Recipe: Taco Bowls

Do you read billboards when you are out and about? They can be educational or entertaining at times. This week, I saw one that was very simple—no picture, just words. It was black and white, nothing really to gain your attention.  All of that said, the message just jumped out as I drove by.  The billboard said EXHALE NEGATIVITY  INHALE TACOS.  Wow, what a perfect message for our current times.  We all could use some positivity in our lives by exhaling negativity.  What better way to do that than to inhale tacos? Just the thought of eating tacos makes me happy!

Before all things turn turkey in a few weeks, let's eat some tacos!  Today I want to share a recipe for Taco Bowls. This is a simple delicious alternative to traditional tacos.  It can be prepped ahead of time if desired. These bowls can easily be catered to individual preferences. Everyone can assemble their bowl. This makes for a fun meal.  It can be served with sides such as fruit or perhaps a piece of cornbread if needed.

Are you ready to feel more positive?  Then you should plan on inhaling a Taco Bowl. The billboard sure made me stop and think.  Certainly a simple but fun and challenging message. We have to start somewhere.  Maybe tacos are the answer!

Taco Bowls

Meat ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or turkey or your favorite ground meat
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Toppings:

• Rice or Quinoa - prepared, about 1 1/2 cups per person
• 1 can of black beans, drained
• 1 can of whole corn, drained, or about 2 cups of toasted fresh or corn kernels
• Salsa
• Cheese - shredded
• Lettuce - shredded 
• Guacamole or avocado chunks
• Red Onions - chopped
• Tortilla Chips - lightly broken up
• Sour Cream
• Taco Sauce/Hot Sauce

Directions:

1. Brown the meat in a frying pan.  Mix the seasonings in a bowl. Sprinkle the seasonings over the meat and stir in.  Let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prepped the meat or rice ahead, you may want to reheat them in the microwave at this point. 
2. Place all your toppings out on the table or counter.   
3. Place rice or quinoa in the bottom of each person's bowl.  Top with meat and then any desired toppings. Serve immediately. 
4. Serves 4-6 depending on appetites. 

Notes:

• The original recipe does not call for adding water to the meat, but I like to add about 1 Cup at the same time as the seasonings are added.  You can experiment, and see what you think. 
• I use Brown Rice for this recipe, but I think any rice or quinoa would be good. may or may not use as much as recommended.
• I use fresh or frozen corn kernels and toast them in a frying pan for about 3-5 minutes until they get a little charred.  So good this way!
• The list of toppings is only a suggestion.  Use any or all of your favorite taco ingredients. 
• Adapted from Your Home-Based Mom