Healthy Taco Bowl Meal Prep and Alternatives

Setting aside a few hours over the weekend to prepare meals that are easy to reheat throughout the week can be a great investment that saves you precious time later. Meal prepping is also an efficient choice when you want to have complete control over your macro and micronutrients. Eating the same thing every day can be bland, so it is important to incorporate bold flavors with versatile ingredients that are easy to spice up. 

Taco bowl meal prep won’t take long to put together, has both a high-protein and dense-nutrient content, and is full of ingredients that can always be adjusted based on your cravings and nutrition goals for the week. Looking for new weeknight dinners? This blog has you covered.  

You’ll Love This Recipe: Keto Taco Bowls

Whether or not you follow a strictly keto diet, this recipe packs a punch of flavor without sacrificing the deliciousness of traditional tacos. If you appreciate the taste, textures, or nutritional value of a good taco bowl, you’ll enjoy these keto taco bowls. Just like with all recipes, this one is completely customizable to your specific diet plan. 

What makes this recipe special? Bacon. If you’ve never had the excuse to put bacon in a taco bowl, you do now. In an effort to add more protein and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, this recipe calls for ingredients like shredded brussel sprouts, greek yogurt, and of course, bacon. 

To get started on this taco bowl meal prep recipe, you’ll want to focus on your prep work. Chop up your produce like garlic, red onion, avocado, and brussel sprouts, and then set it aside for later. Next,crisp up your bacon in a skillet and set that aside as well. In the same skillet, add your brussel sprouts to cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the edges are seared. Remove and start on the ground beef.

Keep the same skillet on the pan and add a splash of olive oil to saute your garlic and red onion. All of the caramelized flavor from the onion and bacon remnants will add a rich flavor to the ground beef as it cooks. Chop up the meat with a spatula in the pan for about  two minutes, then as it starts to brown, let it cook down on its own — stirring occasionally. While this cooks, pit and deflesh avocados to act as personal cups. Fill with the ground beef and brussel sprouts then garnish as desired. 

This taco salad bowl is an easy lunch prep option, picnic appetizer, or sharable plate. Try adding different toppings like corn and jalapenos or tomatoes and fresh onion to layer the flavors and add bright bursts of color and texture.    

Ingredients for the Taco Bowl Meal Prep Recipe

Make this taco bowl recipe with just a few fresh ingredients and a handful of spices. To get started, you’ll need to gather:

• 2 slices bacon
• 3 cups raw Brussel sprouts, thinly chopped
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 2 large ripe avocados
• 20 oz 85% ground beef

To season your meat, you’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Fresh lime or lemon to taste
• Sea salt & pepper to taste

To garnish the final dish, you can add:

• Shredded cheddar
• Pico de gallo
• 2% Greek yogurt
• Street corn 

How to Meal Prep a Taco Bowl?

Meal prep is a great option for busy people who are on the go, those who track their nutrition, and anyone who wants to save a few hours throughout their week! When you spend the time to meal prep taco bowls instead of cooking each serving individually, you can cut hours of tedious chores around the most valuable times of day: lunch  and dinner. That’ll leave you with more time for yourself to be productive, spend time with loved ones, or relax. 

Start by choosing your protein. In the recipe listed above, ground beef is the star of the show but you can always substitute with something different. You can even prepare multiple proteins to have a level of variety throughout the week. Cook a bulk bath of your meat and prepare your fresh produce. You can portion out the meat, any cheese, and non-perishable toppings like hot sauce, but avoid adding fresh produce like avocado or tomato until eating. Store produce and prepared meat in airtight containers for optimal freshness and store in  the refrigerator. 

Taco Bowl Meal Prep Weight Loss

Preparing taco bowls ahead of time for a meal prep schedule can be productive for weight loss goals because you can:

• Control portions: Everyone’s protein to carb to fat ratio is different and depends on their unique body and weight loss goals. When you meal prep recipes, you never have to sacrifice on that ratio. 

• Choose nutrient-dense ingredients: Don’t compromise on sustaining your body. When you cook for yourself, you are in charge of managing all the fine details like what type of oil you use and the quality of the ingredients. 

Maintain consistency: It is easier to cheat on a balanced diet when you take every opportunity to eat out or use freezer meals. By preparing your own food for the week, you won’t be distracted by unnecessary snacks.

Alternatives Meal Prepping Taco Bowls