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Taco Bowls – High Protein, Low Carb

August 25, 2023 by Gina +

I’m on a high protein kick so any dish that’s easy and has a lot of protein is a win for me. This taco bowl, which is more of a skillet, (another option) is delicious, easy, and healthy. It also happens to be loaded with protein and low carb.

Jump to Recipe
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.  A wooden spoon is in the skillet to the side for serving.

This taco bowl is so easy and healthy and makes a great meal prep dish. It’s simple, first cook ground beef then layer a mix of salsa and cottage cheese on top. Bake it and add some more shredded cheese if you want. It’s perfect. You can make this into a taco salad, scoop it up with chips, or use it to fill a wrap. The filling itself is so tasty!

a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.  A wooden spoon is in the skillet to the side for serving.  There are chips to the other side/
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.  A wooden spoon is in the skillet to the side for serving.
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.  A wooden spoon is in the skillet to the side for serving.  There are chips to the other side/

Ingredients needed for the Taco Bowls

  • Ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
  • Taco seasoning
  • Cottage cheese
  • Salsa
  • Shredded cheese optional for topping
  • Favorite toppings – shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, chips

How to make the Taco Bowls

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet. 
  • Add the taco seasoning and salt.  Cook for about 10 minutes. 
  • Top with cottage cheese and salsa. 
  • Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
  • You can add some shredded cheese at the end.
  • When it’s done, add toppings, scoop with chips, add to a wrap, or enjoy as is!
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.   There are chips to the other side/
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.

Why we love this Taco Bowl recipe…

  • Loaded with protein and flavor.
  • Stores very well so it makes a great meal prep recipe.
  • Versatile, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
  • Easy to customize and add whatever toppings you like. Also, different ways to serve it.

More recipes you will like…

  • Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos
  • Beef Taco Skillet
  • Crispy Shrimp Tacos

Tips for the Taco Bowls

How do I store the taco bowls?

Store in the fridge, covered, then reheat by microwave, skillet, or oven.

How do I reheat these?

The microwave is fine or on the stovetop or oven. Easy!

Do I have to use cottage cheese?

No, but that’s what helps add a cheesy flavor and boost the protein.


High Protein Taco Bowl

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Servings: 0 4-6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16oz container of cottage cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Shredded cheese and other favorite toppings

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet.  Add the taco seasoning and salt.  Cook for about 10 minutes. 
  3. Top with cottage cheese and salsa.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
  4. Add shredded cheese if you want at the end. Add other toppings once it's done cooking.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
a cast iron skillet on a table.  In the skillet is ground beef, cheese, and salsa topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream.  There are chips on the bottom of the skillet to serve.

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Filed Under: Dinners, Recipes

Trackbacks

  1. 15 high-protein meals to keep you fueled    - says:
    May 8, 2025 at 2:57 pm

    […] Taco bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. This protein-packed taco bowl combines flavorful ingredients that not only taste great but also provide a healthy dose of protein to keep you full and energized. Here’s how to make your own protein-packed taco bowl! Get the recipe from Protein-Packed Taco Bowl Recipe […]

  2. Cottage Cheese Taco Meat Bowl The Best Viral High Protein Bowl (2025) says:
    June 4, 2025 at 11:39 am

    […] This surprisingly delicious combination brings together creamy cottage cheese, seasoned ground beef, and a mix of fresh toppings, creating a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re chasing better macros, looking to cut carbs, or just tired of boring bowls, this viral recipe delivers. In this article, you’ll learn everything about how to make it, customize it, store it, and why it’s one of the best modern food hacks for busy, health-conscious eaters. Don’t miss our tips for creative variations and expert answers to the most searched questions. Looking for inspiration? Try this helpful guide on high-protein meal ideas […]

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Loved the espresso martinis from @zingzangmix 
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We had a delicious veggie Dion combining Greek yogurt, mayo, some seasoning and @sempio.u gochujang and @yondu.usa 

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Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup blended cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese blend
1 package taco seasoning
*chips, sour cream, avocado for topping and scooping

Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion on medium heat until beef is browned.

Stir in taco seasoning. Add salsa, cottage cheese, the rice, then 1/2 cup water. Mix well.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes

Remove from oven, top with cheese. Serve with sour cream, avocado, and plenty of chips for scooping
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This recipe is from @TestKitchen, and it’s part of why I trust their recipes so much — thoroughly tested, reliable, and made for real life. Comment “RECIPE” and I’ll send you the link to try America’s Test Kitchen and get this one. You can also find it in my bio.

Save this for your next cozy weeknight dinner. #ad #AmericasTestKitchen #EasyDinner #WeeknightDinner
Weekend breakfast sorted. Mini croissants stuffed Weekend breakfast sorted. Mini croissants stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese, then pressed on a hot pan until the outside gets crispy and golden.

Ingredients
Mini croissants, bacon, eggs, shredded cheese

Cut the mini croissants in half. Cook the egg and bacon. Stuff each croissant with a slice of bacon, egg, and cheese. Place on a hot pan and press down to crisp up the outside.
Some fall favorite goodies here with @babbleboxxof Some fall favorite goodies here with @babbleboxxofficial 

Loved adding @diamondcrystalsalt to a rim with a sparkling Paloma. 

We had the yummiest Cajun dinner made so easy thanks to @lafishfry. Only needed to add rice, sausage and beans. 

Loved the espresso martinis from @zingzangmix 
Low sugar and just added the vodka!

We had a delicious veggie Dion combining Greek yogurt, mayo, some seasoning and @sempio.u gochujang and @yondu.usa 

Some sweet treats with the fall flavors from @werthersoriginalus

Everything was simple to cleanup thanks to @solocup
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Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth with the pumpkin), 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup melted butter or oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ¼ tsp kosher salt, ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a mini muffin tin. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, folding just until no streaks of flour remain, then fold in the chocolate chips if using. Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full and bake for 10-12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. 

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Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup blended cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese blend
1 package taco seasoning
*chips, sour cream, avocado for topping and scooping

Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion on medium heat until beef is browned.

Stir in taco seasoning. Add salsa, cottage cheese, the rice, then 1/2 cup water. Mix well.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes

Remove from oven, top with cheese. Serve with sour cream, avocado, and plenty of chips for scooping
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf is everything This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf is everything you want from a fall bake — a soft, spiced crumb, juicy apples, a cinnamon swirl running through the center, and a buttery crumb topping on top.

Comment “APPLE” and I’ll send you the full recipe!

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