High Protein Beef Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Beef Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Favorites

I love making my High Protein Beef Rice Bowl when I need a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies makes for a delightful dinner that's both nutritious and filling. I've experimented with different seasonings, and my favorite is a mix of soy sauce and ginger, which adds a fantastic depth of flavor. This bowl is not only protein-packed but also customizable, allowing me to use whatever vegetables I have on hand. It's a go-to recipe in my kitchen for busy weeknights!

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:05:35.796Z

When creating my High Protein Beef Rice Bowl, I knew I wanted a meal that was both delicious and packed with nutrients. After several trials, I discovered that marinating the beef for just 30 minutes enhances the flavor significantly, infusing it with tenderness and making it incredibly juicy. This simple step really elevates the entire dish!

Another tip I've found invaluable is the use of jasmine rice; its fragrant aroma complements the dish beautifully. I often add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor, making this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your meal prep rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein to keep you energized
Customizable with your choice of veggies
Delicious savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds

Beef Selection and Cooking Tips

Choosing the right kind of ground beef is crucial for a dish like this. I recommend using 85% lean beef, as it provides a good balance of flavor and moisture without being overly greasy. When cooking, make sure to break the meat apart with a wooden spoon for even browning. This should take about 5-7 minutes over medium heat until you see a nice golden color on the beef, indicating a deep flavor development.

If you're aiming for a leaner option, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken. However, keep in mind that these meats can dry out quicker, so you might want to cook them with a bit of chicken broth for added moisture. Whatever meat you choose, make sure not to rush the browning process, as those golden bits contribute immensely to the overall flavor.

Vegetable Variations

One of the best aspects of this High Protein Beef Rice Bowl is its versatility with vegetables. If broccoli and bell peppers aren’t available, you can easily substitute them with frozen mixed vegetables, snap peas, or even zucchini. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as softer vegetables, like zucchini, will cook faster and should be added midway through the sautéing process to maintain their texture.

For a pop of color and added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or kale right at the end of cooking. These leafy greens will wilt quickly, about 1-2 minutes, and add depth to your dish without compromising the cooking time. It’s a great way to make this recipe even healthier and more visually appealing.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bowl

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Prepare the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the cooked jasmine rice and top with the beef and vegetable mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have in your fridge. This recipe is very flexible and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips

This beef rice bowl is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This not only saves time but also ensures you have a quick, healthy meal ready when life gets busy.

For the rice, consider cooking a larger batch. Jasmine rice can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water in your container before microwaving to prevent it from drying out, ensuring a fluffy texture that complements the savory beef and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your High Protein Beef Rice Bowl, feel free to get creative! Drizzle some sriracha or hoisin sauce over the top for an added kick of flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions not only enhances the presentation, but it also adds a nice crunch. For a complete meal, you might consider serving this dish alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar—which balances out the richness of the beef.

Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, adding pickled jalapeños can provide that extra zing. Keep the pickling simple—just soak sliced jalapeños in rice vinegar for at least 30 minutes. This will make for a refreshing contrast to the hearty bowl and elevate your dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh.