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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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Use sourdough or whatever bread you love, and make extra caramelized onions — you’ll want them again tomorrow.
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Another winner from @TestKitchen, where every recipe is tested to make sure it works at home. And at under 45 minutes, this one is definitely going into my weeknight rotation.
 
Want to try it? Comment RECIPE and I’ll send you a link to trial America’s Test Kitchen and get the recipe. You can also find the link in my bio.

And be sure to give @TestKitchen a follow for more tested, reliable recipes!
This Harvest Chicken Salad is one of my favorite w This Harvest Chicken Salad is one of my favorite ways to switch up lunch this time of year. Sweet apple, crunchy celery, and a lightened-up dressing come together for something that’s fresh, filling, and way better than the usual mayo-heavy version. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or with crackers. Make sure you’re following @gina_gibson_cooks for more recipes. 

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 small apple, finely chopped
1/4 dried cranberry 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 
salt and pepper to taste
Optional 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch.

Instructions:
Finely shred or mash the cooked chicken breast to your preferred texture. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Add the chicken, apple, celery, red onion, and parsley, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, and mix in the walnuts if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld, then serve chilled on lettuce, in a wrap, or with crackers.
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!
A dinner you don’t want to miss. I cut a hole st A dinner you don’t want to miss. 

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Comment “MEATBALL” and I’ll send you the full recipe!
Instead of stacking a fried egg onto a bagel, you Instead of stacking a fried egg onto a bagel, you cook the egg thin in the pan and let the bagel halves press right into it — no sliding eggs, no mess. 

Lightly toast the bagel. Whisk the eggs with a little salt and pour into a nonstick pan, spreading it thin. When the egg is almost cooked through, place the two bagel halves on top, pressing gently — this holds the egg in place and keeps it from sliding out. Flip the pan so the bagel side is down and the egg side is up onto a plate. Add your toppings, fold any extra egg over the top, and close the sandwich.

Use a low carb or regular bagel, both work great. I love bagels from @westernbagel
Save this sandwich — your fall grilled cheese. Bu Save this sandwich — your fall grilled cheese.

Buttery, golden sourdough stuffed with melty brie, sharp white cheddar, jammy caramelized onions, and crisp apple slices. It’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and toasted to perfection.

Use sourdough or whatever bread you love, and make extra caramelized onions — you’ll want them again tomorrow.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan #ad This is exactly th Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan #ad

This is exactly the kind of dinner I want during the week—crispy chicken, plenty of sauce, and melted cheese, without making dinner more complicated than it needs to be.

Another winner from @TestKitchen, where every recipe is tested to make sure it works at home. And at under 45 minutes, this one is definitely going into my weeknight rotation.
 
Want to try it? Comment RECIPE and I’ll send you a link to trial America’s Test Kitchen and get the recipe. You can also find the link in my bio.

And be sure to give @TestKitchen a follow for more tested, reliable recipes!
This Harvest Chicken Salad is one of my favorite w This Harvest Chicken Salad is one of my favorite ways to switch up lunch this time of year. Sweet apple, crunchy celery, and a lightened-up dressing come together for something that’s fresh, filling, and way better than the usual mayo-heavy version. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or with crackers. Make sure you’re following @gina_gibson_cooks for more recipes. 

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 small apple, finely chopped
1/4 dried cranberry 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 
salt and pepper to taste
Optional 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch.

Instructions:
Finely shred or mash the cooked chicken breast to your preferred texture. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Add the chicken, apple, celery, red onion, and parsley, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, and mix in the walnuts if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld, then serve chilled on lettuce, in a wrap, or with crackers.

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