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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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No ice cream maker needed! These are layers of Biscoff cookies filled with the creamiest homemade no-churn Biscoff ice cream and an extra swirl of cookie butter through the center.

Easy to make and perfect for summer

Comment ICE CREAM and I’ll send you the full recipe!

Save this for an easy summer dessert and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more simple, family-friendly recipes.
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Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce T Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce 

The chicken is smoky, garlicky and grilled until juicy, but the creamy cilantro green sauce is what really makes this recipe. I could put it on just about everything.

I kept the heat family-friendly by using just one seeded jalapeño, but you can always leave some of the seeds in or add another jalapeño if you like things spicy. Serve it with rice, grilled corn, potatoes or veggies for an easy summer dinner the whole family will love.

For the chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the creamy green sauce:

1 packed cup fresh cilantro
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeño, seeds removed
1 garlic clove
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lime juice, vinegar and seasonings. Add the chicken and toss until well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Add all of the green sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add another squeeze of lime or pinch of salt if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle generously with the creamy green sauce.

Serve with rice, grilled corn, avocado, roasted potatoes or your favorite veggies—and definitely keep extra green sauce on the side.

Save this easy chicken dinner for later, share it with someone who needs new weeknight dinner ideas, and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy, family-friendly recipes! 🌿
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Rich and cheesy, perfect  comfort food mashup I. 

I used our favorite @momofukugoods noodles, Trader Joe’s birria, and plenty of cheese. The birria consommé gets mixed right into the creamy cheese sauce, so you get that birria flavor in every bite. Finish it with onion, cilantro and plenty of lime. 

3 packages Momofuku noodles
1 package Trader Joe’s Beef Birria, cooked and shredded (reserve ½ cup consommé)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
1 ramen seasoning packet
¼ teaspoon cumin
Diced white onion, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Cook the ramen noodles, then drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the cream cheese, milk, ½ cup birria consommé, ramen seasoning, and cumin. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Reduce the heat to low and add the Monterey Jack mozarella cheese. Stir until melted.

Add the cooked ramen noodles and shredded birria beef and toss until everything is coated in the cheesy birria sauce. Add another splash of consommé if needed to loosen it up.

Top with diced onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and extra consommé if you like.

Make sure to SAVE this one and FOLLOW along for more recipes 🙃
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#Tessemaes #LAFishFry #SOLOBoldHold #SourPunchXBabbleBox #PowerUp
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Creamy peanut butter filling, a chocolate cookie crust, and absolutely no oven required. 

For the crust:
16 Oreo-style cookies
4 tablespoons melted butter

For the filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
6 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Optional toppings:
Melted chocolate, crushed Oreo cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped peanuts.

Pulse the cookies into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter. Press into a small pie dish and refrigerate while you make the filling.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until light and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is combined.

Spread the filling into the crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed Oreo cookies if you’d like.

Save this one for your next summer get-together!
FROZEN BISCOFF ICE CREAM BARS 🤎🍦 No ice cream mak FROZEN BISCOFF ICE CREAM BARS 🤎🍦

No ice cream maker needed! These are layers of Biscoff cookies filled with the creamiest homemade no-churn Biscoff ice cream and an extra swirl of cookie butter through the center.

Easy to make and perfect for summer

Comment ICE CREAM and I’ll send you the full recipe!

Save this for an easy summer dessert and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more simple, family-friendly recipes.
Just out here doing my little tasks and calling it Just out here doing my little tasks and calling it a day.
Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce T Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce 

The chicken is smoky, garlicky and grilled until juicy, but the creamy cilantro green sauce is what really makes this recipe. I could put it on just about everything.

I kept the heat family-friendly by using just one seeded jalapeño, but you can always leave some of the seeds in or add another jalapeño if you like things spicy. Serve it with rice, grilled corn, potatoes or veggies for an easy summer dinner the whole family will love.

For the chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the creamy green sauce:

1 packed cup fresh cilantro
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeño, seeds removed
1 garlic clove
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lime juice, vinegar and seasonings. Add the chicken and toss until well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Add all of the green sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add another squeeze of lime or pinch of salt if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle generously with the creamy green sauce.

Serve with rice, grilled corn, avocado, roasted potatoes or your favorite veggies—and definitely keep extra green sauce on the side.

Save this easy chicken dinner for later, share it with someone who needs new weeknight dinner ideas, and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy, family-friendly recipes! 🌿
CHEESY BIRRIA RAMEN Rich and cheesy, perfect com CHEESY BIRRIA RAMEN

Rich and cheesy, perfect  comfort food mashup I. 

I used our favorite @momofukugoods noodles, Trader Joe’s birria, and plenty of cheese. The birria consommé gets mixed right into the creamy cheese sauce, so you get that birria flavor in every bite. Finish it with onion, cilantro and plenty of lime. 

3 packages Momofuku noodles
1 package Trader Joe’s Beef Birria, cooked and shredded (reserve ½ cup consommé)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
1 ramen seasoning packet
¼ teaspoon cumin
Diced white onion, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Cook the ramen noodles, then drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the cream cheese, milk, ½ cup birria consommé, ramen seasoning, and cumin. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Reduce the heat to low and add the Monterey Jack mozarella cheese. Stir until melted.

Add the cooked ramen noodles and shredded birria beef and toss until everything is coated in the cheesy birria sauce. Add another splash of consommé if needed to loosen it up.

Top with diced onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and extra consommé if you like.

Make sure to SAVE this one and FOLLOW along for more recipes 🙃
Summer hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. I Summer hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. 
I kept this backyard dinner simple with crispy chicken sandwiches that were a HUGE hit! I lightly coated chicken tenders in @lafishyfry Louisiana Fish Fry Brand Seasoned Chicken Fry, fried them until perfectly golden, then piled them onto toasted buns with sliced cheddar and peppery arugula tossed in @Tessemaes Spicy Dill dressing. So simple, so good.
To round out the spread, I set out @powerupsnacks Power Up Premium Trail Mix for an easy snack, @sourpunchcandy Sour Punch Bites for a sweet treat, and served everything on @SOLOcup cups and plates, which made cleanup so easy.
#Tessemaes #LAFishFry #SOLOBoldHold #SourPunchXBabbleBox #PowerUp
No-bake peanut butter pie. Creamy peanut butter No-bake peanut butter pie. 

Creamy peanut butter filling, a chocolate cookie crust, and absolutely no oven required. 

For the crust:
16 Oreo-style cookies
4 tablespoons melted butter

For the filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
6 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Optional toppings:
Melted chocolate, crushed Oreo cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped peanuts.

Pulse the cookies into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter. Press into a small pie dish and refrigerate while you make the filling.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until light and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is combined.

Spread the filling into the crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed Oreo cookies if you’d like.

Save this one for your next summer get-together!
FROZEN BISCOFF ICE CREAM BARS 🤎🍦 No ice cream mak FROZEN BISCOFF ICE CREAM BARS 🤎🍦

No ice cream maker needed! These are layers of Biscoff cookies filled with the creamiest homemade no-churn Biscoff ice cream and an extra swirl of cookie butter through the center.

Easy to make and perfect for summer

Comment ICE CREAM and I’ll send you the full recipe!

Save this for an easy summer dessert and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more simple, family-friendly recipes.
Just out here doing my little tasks and calling it Just out here doing my little tasks and calling it a day.
Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce T Peruvian-style chicken with creamy green sauce 

The chicken is smoky, garlicky and grilled until juicy, but the creamy cilantro green sauce is what really makes this recipe. I could put it on just about everything.

I kept the heat family-friendly by using just one seeded jalapeño, but you can always leave some of the seeds in or add another jalapeño if you like things spicy. Serve it with rice, grilled corn, potatoes or veggies for an easy summer dinner the whole family will love.

For the chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the creamy green sauce:

1 packed cup fresh cilantro
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeño, seeds removed
1 garlic clove
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lime juice, vinegar and seasonings. Add the chicken and toss until well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Add all of the green sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add another squeeze of lime or pinch of salt if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle generously with the creamy green sauce.

Serve with rice, grilled corn, avocado, roasted potatoes or your favorite veggies—and definitely keep extra green sauce on the side.

Save this easy chicken dinner for later, share it with someone who needs new weeknight dinner ideas, and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy, family-friendly recipes! 🌿
CHEESY BIRRIA RAMEN Rich and cheesy, perfect com CHEESY BIRRIA RAMEN

Rich and cheesy, perfect  comfort food mashup I. 

I used our favorite @momofukugoods noodles, Trader Joe’s birria, and plenty of cheese. The birria consommé gets mixed right into the creamy cheese sauce, so you get that birria flavor in every bite. Finish it with onion, cilantro and plenty of lime. 

3 packages Momofuku noodles
1 package Trader Joe’s Beef Birria, cooked and shredded (reserve ½ cup consommé)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
1 ramen seasoning packet
¼ teaspoon cumin
Diced white onion, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Cook the ramen noodles, then drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the cream cheese, milk, ½ cup birria consommé, ramen seasoning, and cumin. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Reduce the heat to low and add the Monterey Jack mozarella cheese. Stir until melted.

Add the cooked ramen noodles and shredded birria beef and toss until everything is coated in the cheesy birria sauce. Add another splash of consommé if needed to loosen it up.

Top with diced onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and extra consommé if you like.

Make sure to SAVE this one and FOLLOW along for more recipes 🙃
Summer hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. I Summer hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. 
I kept this backyard dinner simple with crispy chicken sandwiches that were a HUGE hit! I lightly coated chicken tenders in @lafishyfry Louisiana Fish Fry Brand Seasoned Chicken Fry, fried them until perfectly golden, then piled them onto toasted buns with sliced cheddar and peppery arugula tossed in @Tessemaes Spicy Dill dressing. So simple, so good.
To round out the spread, I set out @powerupsnacks Power Up Premium Trail Mix for an easy snack, @sourpunchcandy Sour Punch Bites for a sweet treat, and served everything on @SOLOcup cups and plates, which made cleanup so easy.
#Tessemaes #LAFishFry #SOLOBoldHold #SourPunchXBabbleBox #PowerUp
No-bake peanut butter pie. Creamy peanut butter No-bake peanut butter pie. 

Creamy peanut butter filling, a chocolate cookie crust, and absolutely no oven required. 

For the crust:
16 Oreo-style cookies
4 tablespoons melted butter

For the filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
6 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Optional toppings:
Melted chocolate, crushed Oreo cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped peanuts.

Pulse the cookies into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter. Press into a small pie dish and refrigerate while you make the filling.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until light and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is combined.

Spread the filling into the crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed Oreo cookies if you’d like.

Save this one for your next summer get-together!

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