White Rice with Ground Beef and Barbecue Sauce Recipe 🍚🥩🍯

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal, look no further! This dish of Ground beef rice recipe combines flavors and textures for a delightful home-cooked experience. It’s an ideal recipe for busy nights, gatherings, or even meal prepping. By following this guide, you’ll craft a meal that’s not only flavorful but also customizable to different dietary needs and taste preferences. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and salads to create a complete meal!

Ingredients 🌶️🍅

For Ground beef rice recipe , you’ll need a mix of staple ingredients and some flavor enhancers. Here’s what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients

1. White Rice

• 2 cups white rice: Use jasmine or basmati for an aromatic touch.
• 4 cups water: Essential for fluffy, well-cooked rice.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Helps flavor the rice as it cooks.

1. Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef: Opt for lean beef if you prefer less fat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and flavor during cooking.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the beef, perfect with barbecue sauce.

1. Barbecue Sauce

• 1 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a more personalized flavor.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness 🍯
• Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for tang

1. Optional Add-ins

• Diced onions, bell peppers, or corn 🌽🌶️: These bring color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
• Toppings like fresh herbs, green onions, or shredded cheese 🧀: Garnishes that add freshness and contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Let’s walk through each step to ensure a delicious outcome.

1. Preparing the White Rice 🍚

Start with high-quality rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, giving you fluffier, less sticky rice.

Cooking Steps:

• 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, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes before fluffing with a fork.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

2. Browning the Ground Beef 🍖

Ground beef forms the hearty, savory component of this dish. Heating olive oil before adding the beef ensures even browning, enhancing the flavor.

Cooking Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Cook until the beef is fully browned (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding diced onions and bell peppers at this stage will infuse the beef with extra flavor and texture.

3. Adding the Barbecue Sauce 🍯

The barbecue sauce is what makes this dish shine with tangy sweetness and rich undertones.

Cooking Steps:

• Pour the barbecue sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to coat each piece evenly.
• For additional depth, stir in honey for a sweeter note or apple cider vinegar for a hint of tanginess.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

💡 Pro Tip: Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors (like hickory, honey, or spicy) to tailor the taste.

4. Assembling the Dish 🥘

Combine the components for a delightful, visually appealing presentation.

Serving Steps:

• Spoon the barbecue beef mixture over a bed of white rice, ensuring an even distribution of sauce and beef.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added color and flavor.
• Serve with a side of vegetables, salad, or bread to complete the meal.

Nutritional Information 🍽️

Ground beef rice recipe provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a hearty and filling option.

Per Serving (Assuming Recipe Serves 4)

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fats: 20g
• Fiber: 3g

💡 Dietary Note: This dish can be adjusted for low-carb or keto preferences by swapping out the rice for cauliflower rice. Explore more options like our Keto Kielbasa Soup with Cauliflower for a similarly hearty, low-carb meal.

Tips and Tricks 🧑‍🍳

Here are some pro tips to elevate your cooking experience and avoid common mistakes.

• For a thicker sauce: Let the barbecue beef mixture simmer longer to achieve a rich, thick consistency.
• Storing leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing the beef and rice separately.
• Make it spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce for an extra kick.

💡 Did You Know? Ground beef and rice freeze exceptionally well, making this a great meal to prepare ahead for busy days.

Variations 🍲

1. Low-Carb Option

Swap the rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. Season the cauliflower rice with garlic and herbs for a flavor boost.

2. Cheesy Addition

Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the beef mixture, stirring until melted for a creamy, cheesy barbecue beef. It’s an excellent comfort food option that pairs wonderfully with our Low-Calorie Mac & Cheese with Cream Cheese as a side.

3. Vegetarian Twist

For a plant-based option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground “meat.” Adjust seasoning and sauce as needed.

4. Asian-Style Fusion 🌏

Experiment with teriyaki sauce or Korean barbecue sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

5. Fresh Herb Infusion 🌿

Mix fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley into the rice or as a garnish. This variation can add freshness to balance the dish’s richness.

Serving Suggestions 🍛

• For a party platter: Serve this dish as part of a larger spread with fresh vegetables and crusty bread.
• Meal prep bowls: Divide into individual servings with vegetables on the side for easy grab-and-go meals.
• As a wrap filling: Use the barbecue beef and rice as filling for wraps or burritos for a quick, portable meal.

For an appetizer, check out our Easy Blackberry Basil Pizza Recipe, which makes a creative and delicious starter before diving into the main dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

1. Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the beef too long on high heat can make it dry. Stick to medium heat and watch for full browning without overcooking.
2. Mushy Rice: Avoid adding too much water or stirring the rice as it cooks. Let it steam undisturbed for fluffy, separate grains.
3. Overpowering Barbecue Sauce: Taste as you go; too much sauce can mask the flavors of the beef. Add gradually until the right balance is achieved.

Pairing Suggestions 🍷

This hearty dish pairs well with fresh, light sides or beverages that enhance its rich flavors:

• Side Dish: Try pairing with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness.
• Beverage: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a light beer complement the barbecue flavors wonderfully.

For a more indulgent pairing, consider our Low-Calorie Mac & Cheese with Cream Cheese, which adds a creamy, comforting element to the meal.

Conclusion 🌟

White rice with ground beef and barbecue sauce is a versatile, comforting dish that brings together simplicity and flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy family meal, meal prep, or sharing with friends. With endless ways to customize and adapt, you can easily tailor this

recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness!

For other delicious recipes, try out our Keto Kielbasa Soup with Cauliflower and experience a variety of flavors and options.

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