Build-Your-Own Mexican Beef and Rice Bowl Bar

Turn dinner into a fun, interactive experience with this build-your-own Mexican beef and rice bowl bar. You’ll prepare a savory, Mexican-spiced ground beef, buttery jasmine rice and sautéed green peppers, then set out a spread of toppings so everyone can create their perfect bowl.

Pile on juicy pineapple, melty Mexican cheese, scallions, a squeeze of lime, sour cream and hot sauce. Want a burrito? Grab a tortilla. Love avocado? Add guacamole. This flexible meal is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Beef Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Mexican Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mexican Cheese BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce PineappleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce. In a small pot, combine rice, 1¼ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to use.
2. Meanwhile, halve, core and thinly slice green pepper into strips. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Quarter lime. Drain pineapple and roughly chop.
3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add green pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3-4 minutes. Stir in half the garlic powder and ¼ cup water. Cook, stirring, until pepper is slightly softened and water evaporates, 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a small serving bowl. Wipe out pan.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add beef, scallion whites, Mexican spice blend and remaining garlic powder. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until scallions are slightly softened, 1-2 minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease from pan. Stir in tomato paste, stock concentrate and ¼ cup water. Cook, stirring, until beef is cooked through, 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat. Stir in juice from half the lime.
5. Stir 1 tablespoon butter into rice until melted and combined; fluff with a fork.
6. Serve rice, beef, green pepper, pineapple, scallion greens, Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, hot sauce and remaining lime wedges family style. Let everyone build their own bowl.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with black beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative.