Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delicious and satisfying, these ground beef rice bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Tabitha Green

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2025-12-24T18:36:33.559Z

This recipe for ground beef rice bowls combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice. It's a family favorite that can be customized to your liking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Hearty and filling, great for satisfying appetites
  • Versatile toppings to suit everyone's taste

A Flavorful Meal in Minutes

When you're pressed for time but still want a delicious meal, these ground beef rice bowls come to the rescue. With the entire dish taking less than 30 minutes to prepare, you can easily whip up a satisfying dinner that your family will love. The combination of seasoned ground beef and wholesome ingredients makes for a well-rounded meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just a few key ingredients, you can create a hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, the method is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to feel confident in the kitchen. These rice bowls are not only quick to make but also a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner routine.

Customizable for Every Palate

One of the standout features of these ground beef rice bowls is their versatility. You can easily tailor the toppings to suit everyone's preferences, whether it's adding extra vegetables for a nutrient boost or swapping out proteins for a healthier option. This makes the recipe perfect for families with diverse tastes or dietary restrictions.

From spicy jalapeños to creamy sour cream, the topping possibilities are endless. This flexibility not only enhances the flavor but also encourages creativity in the kitchen. Encourage your family to build their bowls according to their individual tastes, making mealtime an interactive and fun experience.

Meal Prep Friendly

If you're looking to get ahead on your meal prep, these ground beef rice bowls are a fantastic option. The ingredients can be prepped in advance, allowing you to assemble the bowls quickly throughout the week. Cook a larger batch of ground beef and keep it in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze portions for later use.

Additionally, you can prepare the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time. This way, when you're ready to eat, all you need to do is warm up the beef and assemble your bowls. It's a simple strategy to ensure you have a delicious, homemade dinner ready to go, even on the busiest of nights.

Ingredients

For the Beef

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Season the Beef

Stir in the soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Assemble the Bowls

In a bowl, layer cooked rice, then top with the seasoned beef, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty ground beef rice bowls!

Tips for Perfect Bowls

To ensure your ground beef is flavorful, consider using a higher fat content, such as 80/20, as it will add juiciness to your dish. Just remember to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the bowls from becoming too greasy. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings based on your preferences; cumin, paprika, or even taco seasoning can add a unique twist.

For added texture and crunch, consider roasting some vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Toss them in olive oil and seasoning, then roast them in the oven while you prepare the beef. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a lovely color to your bowls.

Serving Suggestions

These ground beef rice bowls are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete experience. The crunch of the chips complements the softness of the rice and beef, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

For a lighter option, serve the rice bowls with a simple green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. This will add a refreshing element to your meal, balancing out the richness of the beef. It's a great way to include more veggies in your diet while enjoying a hearty dinner.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and rice in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled bowls, but it's best to keep the toppings separate until ready to serve.

→ What are some good toppings I can add?

Try adding shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Delicious and satisfying, these ground beef rice bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Tabitha Green

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Beef

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 small onion, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

  1. 2 cups cooked rice
  2. 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  3. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  4. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  5. 1 avocado, sliced
  6. Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 02

Stir in the soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Step 03

In a bowl, layer cooked rice, then top with the seasoned beef, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 25g