High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl (Ready in 30 Mins!)

Craving a meal that’s incredibly satisfying, packed with protein, and ready in under 30 minutes? This High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl is your new weeknight hero. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you need a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. We combine savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies with a mouthwatering sauce that ties everything together. It’s a complete, balanced meal in one bowl that the whole family will love.

This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about smart, flavorful cooking. Forget boring desk lunches or last-minute takeout. With this simple recipe, you can have a wholesome and hearty meal that supports your fitness goals and satisfies your taste buds. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring you have healthy choices ready to go throughout the week. Let’s get cooking!

Why This High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl is a Game-Changer


You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. First, it’s incredibly efficient. From start to finish, you’re looking at a true 30-minute meal. It’s designed for those hectic evenings when you need to get a healthy dinner on the table fast. Second, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Lean ground beef provides a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair and keeping you full longer. Finally, the flavor is simply unbeatable. The homemade savory sauce is the star, elevating simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

Assembling the High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl, with all the fresh ingredients like beef, rice, and vegetables ready to be combined.
Layering all the fresh components to build the perfect bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re using simple, wholesome ingredients for this recipe. Most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up this dish any night of the week.

For the Beef and Bowl

  • Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 90/10 or leaner to maximize protein and minimize grease.
  • Jasmine Rice: Cooks up fluffy and fragrant, providing the perfect base. You can substitute with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds a nice crunch and a boost of essential vitamins.
  • Shredded Carrots: For a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Edamame: A great source of plant-based protein and texture.
  • Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavored oil perfect for high-heat cooking.

For the Savory Sauce

  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base of our sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that is signature to many Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
  • Honey: For a hint of sweetness that complements the savory notes. Maple syrup works too.
  • Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Minced finely, these aromatics are non-negotiable for the best flavor.
  • Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce so it coats the beef beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect beef rice bowl every time. It’s as easy as cook, mix, and assemble!

  1. Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the jasmine rice according to package directions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, so you can prepare everything else while it simmers.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced ginger, and garlic. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce mixture. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir continuously and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and beautifully coats the beef.
  5. Steam the Veggies: While the beef is simmering, you can quickly steam or blanch your broccoli florets and edamame until tender-crisp.
  6. Assemble Your Bowl: Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with a generous portion of the saucy ground beef, steamed broccoli, edamame, and shredded carrots.
A close-up overhead view of the savory ground beef and vegetable mixture for the healthy rice bowl, with vibrant colors from carrots and broccoli.
Perfectly seasoned ground beef and crisp vegetables are the heart of this satisfying bowl.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Bowl

Want to take your high-protein beef rice bowl to the next level? Here are a few expert tips.

  • Don’t Overcook the Veggies: For the best texture, steam your vegetables until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Mushy veggies are a no-go!
  • Toast Your Sesame Seeds: If you’re using sesame seeds as a garnish, toast them in a dry pan for a minute or two until fragrant. It makes a huge difference.
  • Let the Beef Brown: For maximum flavor, let the ground beef get a nice brown crust before breaking it up completely. This caramelization process is key. For another great beef recipe, check out this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole.

Meal Prep and Storage

This recipe is a meal prep dream! To store, allow all the components to cool down to room temperature. Portion the rice, beef, and veggies into separate airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Keep the sauce separate if you prefer to add it after reheating. If you’re looking for other easy meal prep ideas, these Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowls are a great alternative.

Customizations and Variations

Make this recipe your own with these simple swaps and additions!

  • Switch up the Protein: This recipe works great with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. Sauté them before cooking the beef.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens to lower the carbohydrate count. For more delicious and quick meal inspiration, check out our favorite Quick Chicken Dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

To boost the protein even further, you can add a scoop of collagen peptides to the sauce, use bone broth to cook your rice, or top the finished bowl with a fried egg and extra edamame.


Yes, this beef rice bowl is a well-balanced and healthy meal. It contains a great source of lean protein, complex carbohydrates for energy, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables. Using lean beef and low-sodium soy sauce keeps it nutritious.


Lean ground beef, specifically 90/10 or 93/7, is the best choice for this recipe. It provides excellent flavor and high protein content with less grease to drain off. You could also use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin.


Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the jasmine rice with brown rice for more fiber, quinoa for a complete protein, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.


Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the components separately if possible. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.


The Ultimate High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl Recipe

A close-up overhead view of the savory ground beef and vegetable mixture for the healthy rice bowl, with vibrant colors from carrots and broccoli.
FL Recipes

High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl (Ready in 30 Mins!)

This High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl is a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies come together in a flavorful sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, asian-inspired
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or leaner
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice uncooked
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup edamame shelled
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook the jasmine rice according to package directions.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  4. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Bring to a simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  5. While the beef simmers, quickly steam the broccoli florets and edamame until tender-crisp.
  6. To assemble, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the saucy beef, steamed broccoli, edamame, and shredded carrots. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 42gFat: 22gFiber: 6g

Notes

Storage: Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Make it Spicy: Add 1 tsp of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Keyword 30 minute meal,beef rice bowl,high protein meal,meal prep bowl

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Share Your Creation!

We hope you love this High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl as much as we do! It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly delicious. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us on Pinterest. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any creative twists you added!

A delicious and easy High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl in a white bowl, topped with sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or healthy meal prep.
This hearty and flavorful High-Protein Beef Rice Bowl is ready in just 30 minutes!

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