Background and History
Tex-Mex cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Texan and Mexican flavors, featuring bold spices and fresh ingredients. The Tex-Mex beef bowl is a contemporary twist on traditional Tex-Mex fare, combining seasoned beef with rice, beans, and flavorful toppings. The avocado cilantro dressing adds a creamy and refreshing touch, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Serves: 2
Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: For the Tex-Mex Beef
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos
For the Avocado Cilantro Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (as needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the beef with spices.
- Add black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired dressing consistency.
- To assemble the bowls, divide cooked rice between two serving bowls. Top with the Tex-Mex beef mixture and desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos.
- Drizzle avocado cilantro dressing over the bowls and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts: (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Notes
- Feel free to customize the Tex-Mex beef bowls with your favorite toppings and additional ingredients such as corn, bell peppers, or salsa.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice for a healthier option.
- Double the recipe to serve a larger crowd or for leftovers.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and jalapenos.
Allergy Warning
Be cautious of any allergies you or your guests may have to ingredients such as dairy (in Greek yogurt or cheese) or avocado. Omit or substitute these ingredients as necessary to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What makes Tex-Mex cuisine unique, and how does this recipe incorporate those elements?
Tex-Mex cuisine combines flavors and ingredients from Texas and Mexico, featuring bold spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe incorporates Tex-Mex elements through seasoned beef, black beans, rice, and toppings like avocado and jalapenos.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to make a lighter version of the dish while still retaining its flavor and texture.
Is the avocado cilantro dressing spicy?
The spice level of the avocado cilantro dressing can be adjusted to taste by controlling the amount of jalapeno added. Without jalapeno, it’s more creamy and mild, while with jalapeno, it adds a bit of heat.
Can I make the avocado cilantro dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the avocado cilantro dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before using.
Are there any alternatives to Greek yogurt in the avocado cilantro dressing for those with dairy allergies?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or simply omit it for a dairy-free dressing.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this recipe vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with meat alternatives like plant-based crumbles or tofu. For a vegan version, ensure that all ingredients, including toppings and dressing, are plant-based.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Any type of rice can be used, but traditionally, long-grain white rice is preferred for Tex-Mex dishes. Brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a healthier option.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
While the Tex-Mex beef bowl components can be individually frozen, the avocado cilantro dressing is best consumed fresh. Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the freezer for up to 1 month, reheating before serving.
How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper used in the beef mixture to tailor the dish to your preferred level of spiciness and flavor.
What are some creative ways to serve leftovers of this dish?
Leftover Tex-Mex beef can be used in tacos, quesadillas, or stuffed bell peppers. The avocado cilantro dressing can be used as a dip for chips or raw vegetables, or as a topping for salads.
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