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High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl

Seasoned ground beef, fluffy quinoa, black beans, and avocado in one bowl with a lime crema, the macro-friendly viral bowl format built for the 2026 high-protein comfort food wave.

35 minEasyServes 4560 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinGluten-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 cans black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 lime, juiced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, brown 1 lb ground beef (90/10) in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F.

  3. 3

    Stir 2 tbsp taco seasoning into the beef along with a splash of water, and simmer for 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Warm 2 cans black beans, drained and 1 cup corn kernels together in a small pot.

  5. 5

    Whisk 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 juiced lime to make the crema.

  6. 6

    Divide the quinoa among bowls and top with the beef, beans and corn, 2 sliced avocado, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.

  7. 7

    Drizzle with the lime crema and finish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl?

As written, 35 minutes: 15 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 1 (15 minutes): "Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed."

What internal temperature should High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl reach?

For High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl?

The entry for High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl calls for 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt. In its place: Sour cream, measure for measure, or regular yogurt strained for an hour.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl uses 1 lb ground beef (90/10).

Can I make High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl is 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt. Swap the yogurt for an unsweetened coconut or soy yogurt. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth and the seasoning.

How much protein is in High-Protein Beef Quinoa Bowl?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 42 g of protein in about 560 calories, alongside 44 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat, plus 8 g fiber and 540 mg sodium. More like it: the high-protein dinner collection.

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