Description
This White Rice with Ground Beef and Barbecue Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together fluffy rice, flavorful ground beef, and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and offers flexibility with optional add-ins like vegetables and herbs. Serve it on its own, or pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. 🍲
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Rice
- 2 cups white rice (jasmine or basmati for added aroma)
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- For the Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for added sweetness 🍯
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for a tangy note
- Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup corn kernels 🌽
- Fresh herbs like green onions or parsley, for garnish
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese 🧀
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps to achieve fluffy rice.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and stir in the rice.
- Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the beef until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Barbecue Sauce
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the cooked ground beef, stirring to coat each piece evenly.
- For added sweetness, stir in honey; for extra tang, add apple cider vinegar.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Dish
- Place a portion of the cooked rice on each plate or bowl, then spoon the barbecue beef mixture over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or diced green onions, if desired.
- Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the ground beef and rice separately to maintain texture; freeze for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers.
- Variations: Substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use brown rice for added fiber.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: lunch
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 14g (including added sugar in barbecue sauce and honey, if used)
- Sodium: 880mg (varies depending on barbecue sauce)
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g