Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos is the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures, offering the best of both worlds: the savory goodness of a taco bowl paired with the crunchy, cheesy kick of Doritos. This dish is customizable, quick to make, and loaded with all your favorite taco ingredients—seasoned ground beef, rice, fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, all topped with a generous handful of Doritos for that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a fun weeknight meal, this taco rice bowl is guaranteed to be a hit!

Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos Recipe

Ingredients

For the Taco Rice Bowl:

1 lb ground beef (or chicken or turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon salsa or taco sauce (optional)
1 bag of Doritos (any flavor, but Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese works best)

For Garnishing (optional):

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Jalapeños, sliced (if you like a bit of heat)
Lime wedges

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and follow the packet instructions (usually adding water and simmering for a few minutes).
Prepare the Rice: While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. You can also use leftover rice if you have it on hand for a quicker meal.
Assemble the Taco Rice Bowls: In individual bowls, layer the cooked rice as the base. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, black olives (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese.
Add the Doritos: Crush a handful of Doritos and sprinkle them generously over the top of the taco rice bowl for a satisfying crunch. You can break them up into smaller pieces if you prefer smaller chips mixed throughout or leave larger pieces for an extra crunchy bite.
Add Toppings: Drizzle sour cream over the bowl and add a spoonful of salsa or taco sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap the Protein: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Add Guacamole: For extra creaminess, add a dollop of guacamole to your taco rice bowl.
Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat level.
Change the Chips: If you’re not a fan of Doritos, feel free to use any type of tortilla chips or even taco-flavored chips for a different take.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover taco rice bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crunch.
Reheating: Reheat the beef and rice mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, cheese, and chips when serving to keep them fresh and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this a vegetarian taco rice bowl by using black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat alternative instead of ground beef.

2. Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your bowl.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef can work great in this recipe. For a lighter option, you could also use shrimp or tofu.

5. Can I make this bowl spicy?

Yes, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to make the taco rice bowl as spicy as you like.

6. Can I use a different chip brand?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite chip brand, but for the best crunch and flavor, we recommend using tortilla chips or any flavored chips like Cool Ranch Doritos.

7. Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free chips and ensuring the taco seasoning is gluten-free (check the label on the packet).

8. How do I prevent the Doritos from getting soggy?

To keep the Doritos crispy, add them right before serving, just before you dig in, so they maintain their crunch.

9. Can I prep the ingredients in advance?

Yes! You can prep the beef, rice, and toppings in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and add the Doritos when you’re ready to eat.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the bowl?

Definitely! You can add bell peppers, corn, avocado, or even diced cucumbers for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos is the ultimate fun and flavorful meal that brings all the classic taco ingredients together in one easy bowl. The crunchy Doritos add a unique twist, making every bite a delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, spicy, and savory flavors. Customize it with your favorite toppings and proteins for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, simple, and packed with all the flavors you love from tacos—served in a bowl for the perfect meal!

Chef MARTHA