Description
Firecracker Beef Meal Prep Bowls are a flavorful and spicy ground beef dish served over tender rice and sautéed vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe combines a spicy sriracha-based sauce with garlic and green onions, balanced with sweet honey and tangy rice vinegar. Perfect for meal prepping, these bowls offer a delicious and balanced meal that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, minced, white parts only
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups dry rice
- 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
- Pinch of salt
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, green parts only
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine 1 1/2 cups of dry rice with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes or according to package instructions. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare Firecracker Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons honey until well combined. Set aside this sauce mixture for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until mostly browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce: To the beef, add minced garlic, minced white parts of green onions, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the prepared firecracker sauce and stir to combine. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and the beef develops a slightly crispy texture. Remove from heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate small pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender. Add 1 cup shredded carrots and cook for another 1-2 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Meal Prep Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly across 4 airtight containers. Layer each with one-quarter of the firecracker beef mixture, followed by one-quarter of the sautéed broccoli and carrots. Top each bowl with thinly sliced green parts of green onions and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds evenly across all bowls.
- Storage and Serving: The meal prep bowls can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bowls for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic and green onions for the best flavor.
- The firecracker sauce can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of sriracha for more or less spiciness.
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted for white rice for a healthier variation.
- Meal prep bowls store well and are convenient for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Make sure to not overcook the vegetables to maintain some crunch and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Meal Prep Bowls
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Keywords: firecracker beef, meal prep bowls, ground beef recipe, spicy beef bowl, easy dinner, make ahead lunch, sriracha beef, rice bowl, healthy meal prep
