Quick & Easy Rice Bowl Meal Prep

Beef & Veggie Meal Prep

When you want something healthy, hearty, and meal-prep ready, this ground beef and veggie rice bowl is the perfect go-to. It’s packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and whole-grain rice. Best of all, it's all cooked in just two dishes for minimal cleanup. Because let's be real, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning.

The secret? A bag of frozen, unprocessed vegetables from Costco. Groundbreaking, right? This simple adjustment allows you to leave the meticulous, time-consuming cutting and sautéing of vegetables behind. You won't be sacrificing flavor or healthy ingredients. Cooking the vegetables in with the beef saves time and infuses everything with flavor, while the addition of carrots and corn to the rice gives the meal a naturally sweet, savory depth.

Ingredients (Makes 6 servings)

• 1.5–2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 80/20 recommended)

• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice (or brown)

• 2–3 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 can whole kernel corn (low sodium recommended)

• 1 bag (about 4 cups) frozen vegetable medley: red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and broccoli

• 1–2 tbsp avocado oil

• Himalayan pink salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning

• Optional: 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic powder, chili flakes, or your favorite seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Cook the rice in a large pot according to package directions, adding chopped carrots and canned corn (drained first) into the pot while it cooks. This step adds extra flavor and nutrients. You'll want to use a large pot so you have room to mix in the beef and veggies later.

2. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned.

3. Once the beef is nearly done, stir in the frozen vegetable medley. Season with oregano and any additional spices you like. Continue cooking until vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.

4. Add the beef and veggies to the cooked rice and carrots in the large pot (be sure to turn off the heat to avoid overcooking). Drizzle with soy sauce or coconut aminos, then toss everything together until well combined.

5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Portion into containers for meal prep or serve warm.

Nutrition & Wellness Highlights

• Protein-rich ground beef helps with satiety, balanced energy, and muscle repair.

• Whole-grain rice + carrots + corn offer fiber, antioxidants, and steady fuel.

• Frozen veggie mix ensures you get a variety of nutrients without the hassle of chopping.

• Avocado oil + Himalayan pink salt provide heart-healthy fats and essential trace minerals.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is a real-life busy week solution: minimal dishes and mess, simple steps, and no compromise on flavor or nutrition. By using frozen veggies and cooking them with the beef, you save time while still creating a dish that feels fresh and vibrant. Add in the rice infused with carrots and corn, and you’ve got a balanced meal ready for the whole week.

Healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming — it can be easy and time-friendly, supporting consistency and nutrient-rich eating. Recipes like this are a great way to stay on track and build sustainable eating habits without spending hours in the kitchen!