Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls

Here’s a recipe that has become a true weeknight champion in our home – Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls. Life gets hectic, and finding meals that are both nutritious and satisfying, while also being quick and easy to prepare, can feel like striking gold. This recipe is exactly that. From the moment the aroma of sautéed garlic and onions fills the kitchen to the first flavorful bite of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant spinach, it’s a sensory delight. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes green vegetables with suspicion, devours this dish without a single complaint. It’s become a regular request, and honestly, I’m just as happy to make it every time. It’s versatile, customizable, and genuinely delicious. If you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes – healthy, tasty, simple, and family-friendly – you absolutely have to try these Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls. They’re a guaranteed win!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides healthy fats and is used for sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds savory depth and aroma to the base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for flavor, garlic brings a pungent and aromatic element.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Provides a sweet and herbaceous flavor that complements the ground beef and spinach.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the other ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground is best.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Contributes acidity, moisture, and tomato flavor to the sauce.
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a healthy dose of greens, vitamins, and a slightly earthy flavor.
• 2 cups cooked rice: Serves as the base of the bowl, providing carbohydrates and a satisfying texture. Use your favorite type of rice like white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Optional toppings: Consider shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta), sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, fresh parsley or cilantro, red pepper flakes for heat.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Begin by cooking your rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, you can start preparing the ground beef and spinach mixture. Having the rice ready beforehand streamlines the entire process and ensures everything comes together quickly. You can use a rice cooker, stovetop method, or even pre-cooked rice pouches to save time. If using pre-cooked rice, simply heat it up before assembling the bowls.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds until it shimmers. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to crumble it well during cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large clumps. Browning the beef properly is key to developing rich, savory flavors.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Once the ground beef is browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for keeping the dish healthier and preventing it from becoming too oily. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook the onion for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Softening the onions releases their sweetness and mellows their sharpness.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the onions and ground beef. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the spices with the garlic and onions helps to bloom their flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, and the tomatoes to break down slightly, creating a light sauce. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Wilt the Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the ground beef and tomato mixture. Continue to cook until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Spinach cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should retain some of its vibrant green color and a slight texture.
7. Assemble the Bowls: Now it’s time to assemble your Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls. Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls. Spoon the ground beef and spinach mixture over the rice in each bowl.
8. Add Toppings (Optional): This is where you can get creative and customize your bowls to your liking! Add any of your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, slices of avocado for healthy fats, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for freshness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. Toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add texture and visual appeal to the bowls.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls immediately while they are warm and delicious. These bowls are perfect for a satisfying and nutritious lunch or dinner. Enjoy the combination of savory ground beef, tender spinach, flavorful sauce, and fluffy rice!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

(Based on 4 servings, using lean ground beef and white rice, without optional toppings. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving. This is a moderate calorie count, making it suitable for a balanced meal. The calorie content can vary depending on the type of rice and the leanness of the ground beef used.
• Protein: 30-35 grams of protein. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety. This high protein content helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after your meal.
• Iron: Good source of iron. Both ground beef and spinach are good sources of iron, an essential mineral for energy levels and red blood cell production. This dish can contribute significantly to your daily iron intake.
• Vitamin A: Excellent source of Vitamin A. Spinach is packed with Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. This bowl is a great way to incorporate more Vitamin A into your diet.

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes. This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes. This includes chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, roughly chopping the spinach, and gathering your ingredients. Efficient knife skills can help reduce prep time.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes. This includes browning the ground beef, sautéing the vegetables, simmering the tomatoes, wilting the spinach, and cooking the rice (if starting from uncooked rice – otherwise, cook time is even shorter).

How to Serve

• Classic Bowl Style: Serve in individual bowls as described in the recipe. This is the most straightforward and common way to enjoy this dish. The bowl format makes it easy to eat and allows for customizable toppings.
• Over Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, substitute the white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and fiber, while cauliflower rice significantly reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers (any color works), fill them with the ground beef and spinach mixture, and bake until the peppers are tender. This transforms the dish into a fun and visually appealing stuffed pepper meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a very light and low-carb option, serve the ground beef and spinach mixture in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce). This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavors.
• Burrito Bowls: Layer the rice, ground beef and spinach mixture, and your favorite burrito toppings (like salsa, guacamole, black beans, corn, and cheese) in bowls to create a deconstructed burrito. This offers a heartier and more customizable meal.
• With a Side Salad: Serve the Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls alongside a fresh side salad for a more complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the bowls.

Additional Tips for Perfect Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) to minimize excess fat and create a healthier dish. Draining excess grease after browning is also crucial for a lighter meal.
2. Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks incredibly quickly. Add it to the skillet just before you’re ready to serve and cook only until it’s wilted. Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its vibrant color and nutrients.
3. Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your preference. If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
4. Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil, added at the end, can elevate the freshness and aroma of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs as a garnish adds a vibrant touch.
5. Make it Ahead for Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare the ground beef and spinach mixture and the rice separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble your bowls.
6. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be sautéed along with the onions for added nutrients and flavor complexity.
7. Use Different Types of Rice: Experiment with different types of rice to vary the texture and nutritional profile. Brown rice, quinoa, wild rice, or even jasmine rice can be delicious alternatives to white rice.
8. Toast Your Rice (Optional, but Recommended): For extra flavor in your rice, try toasting it before cooking. In a dry pan, toast the uncooked rice over medium heat for a few minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This adds a nutty flavor and enhances the texture of the cooked rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach can sometimes be a bit more watery than fresh, so removing excess moisture is important to prevent a watery dish.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. For a vegan version, ensure your plant-based crumbles are vegan and omit any dairy-based toppings like cheese or sour cream. Consider adding vegan cheese shreds or avocado for creaminess.

Q3: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftovers of Ground Beef & Spinach Rice Bowls will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers. Ensure the food is cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish for later?

A: Yes, you can freeze the ground beef and spinach mixture. However, rice can sometimes change texture when frozen and thawed. It’s best to freeze the ground beef and spinach mixture separately from the rice. When thawing, reheat the mixture thoroughly and cook fresh rice to serve alongside.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have diced tomatoes?

A: If you don’t have diced tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. You can also use fresh tomatoes that are chopped, but you might need to cook them a bit longer to soften them and release their juices. Adjust seasoning as needed depending on the type of tomato product you use.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and ensure any optional toppings you use are also gluten-free. Ground beef, spinach, tomatoes, and the spices used in this recipe are all naturally gluten-free.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except spinach). Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and onions, then add the remaining ingredients (except spinach). Cook on manual high pressure for 5-7 minutes with a natural pressure release. Stir in spinach after pressure is released.

Q8: What are some other topping ideas besides cheese and sour cream?

A: Besides cheese and sour cream, consider toppings like: avocado or guacamole for creaminess and healthy fats, salsa or pico de gallo for freshness and acidity, pickled onions or jalapeños for tang and spice, a fried egg for added protein, toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nutty flavor, a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for heat, or a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips for texture. Get creative and use your favorite bowl toppings!

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