Looking for a dinner that's absolutely bursting with bold Southwest flavors but still easy enough for the busiest weeknight? This Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese Queso checks every box!
Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef layered over fluffy rice, topped with black beans, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes-all drizzled with a creamy, velvety cottage cheese queso sauce that takes only minutes to whip up. Every bite is zesty, satisfying, and packed with protein.
This bowl is pure comfort food meets healthy eating. It's customizable, family-friendly, and guaranteed to become your go-to when you need a meal that's both nourishing and crave-worthy.
Perfect for meal prep, crowd-pleasing dinners, or when you just want something a little different than tacos. The cottage cheese queso is inspired by my obsession with creamy Tex-Mex dips, but with a protein-rich, better-for-you twist!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 45 minutes-ideal for busy weeknights.
- Creamy cottage cheese queso adds big flavor and protein without heavy cream.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or grains.
- Balanced and nourishing-great for meal prep or family dinners.
Key Ingredients for Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese Queso
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Lean Ground Beef
This is the hearty, savory base of your bowl, providing tons of flavor and protein. Opt for 90% lean ground beef for a lighter bowl, or use 80% for extra richness. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option-just note the flavor will shift a bit, but the spices still shine.
Cottage Cheese
The secret to a creamy, healthy queso! Cottage cheese melts beautifully into a silky sauce when blended with a little shredded cheddar. Go for low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess. If you're hesitant about the texture, blending it smooth takes care of that. You can also sub in Greek yogurt, but cottage cheese gives a more authentic queso vibe.
Black Beans
These add fiber, heartiness, and that true Southwest feeling. Use canned, drained, and rinsed black beans for convenience. Pinto beans or even kidney beans work well too if it's what you have on hand.
Southwest Seasoning
A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder brings irresistible flavor to the beef. You can make your own, or use a store-bought taco or Southwest seasoning mix. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne!
Fresh Veggies & Garnishes
Cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, and fresh cilantro add pops of sweetness, color, and freshness to every bite. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen corn works in a pinch. Garnish with lime wedges for that zesty finish.
Instructions for Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese Queso
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Prep the Veggies and Sides
Dice your onion, mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, and chop the cilantro. If you haven't cooked your rice yet, get that started according to package directions so it's ready for serving.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season and Add Beans & Corn
Stir in the minced garlic and Southwest seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the black beans and corn, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes, then set aside and keep warm.
Make the Cottage Cheese Queso
Add cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the queso is hot and velvety. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top each with the beef-bean-corn mixture, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Generously drizzle with warm cottage cheese queso and finish with a squeeze of lime.
Recipe Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or cooked quinoa. You'll still get plenty of protein and a hearty texture, especially with all those flavorful spices and creamy queso.
Go Low-Carb
Skip the rice and serve everything over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, lower-carb, and keto-friendly option. The cottage cheese queso keeps it satisfying!
Add a Kick
Want it spicier? Stir chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture, or add a dash of hot sauce to the queso. Chipotle powder is also amazing for a smoky heat.
Gluten-Free Swap
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use plain rice and double-check your seasoning mix. Always check the labels on packaged goods if you're sensitive.
Try Different Cheeses
Mix things up by using pepper jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar in the queso. You'll get a unique twist and a little extra zip!
Serving Suggestions
Make this a full meal by pairing your Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with a simple green salad or a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping into any extra queso. For even more Tex-Mex flair, add a scoop of homemade guacamole or serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes. Garnish with extra cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of fresh salsa for extra color and zip.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cottage cheese queso separate for best texture. Reheat the beef mixture and queso gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring the queso frequently to keep it smooth. The rice and toppings can be reheated together or enjoyed cold. While the beef mixture and rice freeze well for up to 2 months, the cottage cheese queso is best made fresh, as its texture may change after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese Queso (FAQ)
Q: Can I make the cottage cheese queso ahead of time?A: Yes! Blend and heat the queso, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, stirring often, and add a splash of milk if it thickens.
Q: Is this recipe meal prep friendly?A: Absolutely! Prep the beef mixture, rice, and queso ahead of time. Store them separately, then assemble and garnish when ready to eat for a fresh-tasting meal.
Q: What can I use instead of cottage cheese in the queso?A: You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese, but cottage cheese gives the best creamy, melty texture and a protein boost.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?A: Use a dairy-free cheese and a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu in place of cottage cheese for the queso. The flavor will change, but it'll still be delicious!
If you're looking for a fresh take on Tex-Mex, this Southwest Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese Queso is your answer! It's hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor in every forkful. Give it a try and let me know what you think-don't forget to leave a comment or rating if you loved it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon Southwest or taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk (or as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1Prepare rice according to package instructions, then set aside.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until beef is browned and onion is softened.
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3Add garlic and Southwest seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add black beans and corn. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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5In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
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6Pour queso mixture into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until hot and melted, about 3-4 minutes. Add more milk if needed for your desired consistency.
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7Divide rice into four bowls. Top with beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and cilantro.
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8Drizzle each bowl generously with cottage cheese queso and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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