Ground Beef And Spinach Rice Bowl

Name: Ground Beef And Spinach Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 cup rice; 2 cups water; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Heartfelt Meals

I love whipping up this Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Bowl on busy weeknights when I want a nourishing meal that comes together quickly. Combining seasoned ground beef with fresh spinach over a bed of fluffy rice not only makes for a hearty dish, but it also packs a nutritious punch. The best part is how versatile this recipe is—I can easily adapt the flavors by adding different spices or incorporating vegetables that need using up. It’s become a favorite in our household for its balance of flavor and convenience.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:38:36.373Z

When I first tried my hand at this dish, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. I often find that just a few star ingredients, like garlic and soy sauce, can elevate the dish to new heights. The key to success is cooking the beef until it’s perfectly browned and then incorporating the spinach just enough to wilt it without losing its vibrant color.

This bowl has now become a staple in my kitchen because of its ability to be prepped ahead of time. I often double the recipe and store leftovers for lunch the next day. With the addition of a soft-boiled egg on top, it takes the meal to a whole new level of comfort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
Nutrient-packed with protein and greens
Adaptable with your favorite spices or additional veggies

Perfecting the Rice

The foundation of any good rice bowl is, of course, the rice itself. For this recipe, I recommend using long-grain white rice for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors. Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch, resulting in a cleaner, non-sticky texture. Once the water comes to a boil, reducing the heat to low and covering the saucepan ensures the rice cooks evenly without burning.

If you're short on time or just prefer a different grain, quinoa or jasmine rice are excellent alternatives. Just remember that cooking times may differ! Quinoa typically cooks in about 15 minutes, while jasmine rice might take around 12 minutes. Adjust the water ratio accordingly, as quinoa uses a 2:1 liquid-to-grain ratio.

Building Flavor in the Beef

When it comes to cooking the ground beef, seasoning is key.The soy sauce not only gives saltiness but also enhances the umami flavor, making the dish more savory. If you want to elevate the taste even further, consider adding a teaspoon of ginger or chili flakes while the beef browns for an extra kick.

When draining the excess fat, don’t discard all of it; a little fat can add richness to the dish. However, if your ground beef is too fatty, opt for a leaner cut to keep the dish healthier. I often choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance between flavor and fat.

Making it Your Own

One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily incorporate seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots—just add them to the skillet after the onions and garlic for optimal cooking time. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds a nice color contrast to the dish.

For those looking to adjust for dietary preferences, swapping the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu can work beautifully. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it cooks thoroughly but remains juicy.

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup rice
2 cups water
1 pound ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes, or until water is absorbed.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are translucent.

Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Spinach and Seasoning

Stir in the fresh spinach and soy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and divide it into bowls. Top each bowl with the beef and spinach mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this bowl by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. You can also swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.

Storing and Reheating

This Ground Beef and Spinach Rice Bowl makes for a perfect meal prep option. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water in a microwave-safe bowl to prevent dryness, and heat it in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best texture upon reheating, allow the bowl to thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful twist, consider serving this rice bowl in a lettuce wrap for a fresh, crunchy alternative. Simply spoon the beef and spinach mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter meal. This adds both fun and texture, especially when garnished with a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of sriracha.

Pairing the rice bowl with a side of pickled vegetables can also enhance the flavors. The acidity from the pickles complements the richness of the beef, balancing the dish beautifully. I often use quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes for a refreshing touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and spinach mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for rice?

You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or any grain of your choice.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

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

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Consider adding broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the spinach for added flavor and nutrition.