Carmelized Ground Beef with Rice
One of my favorite fast recipes. It’s great when you’re working long days out in the field and then still have to come home and cook.
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. ground beef (preferably 80/20)
1 Tbsp. grated ginger
1 Tbsp. minced garlic, from about 4 cloves
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. agave syrup (or any sweetener you prefer)
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooked rice, for serving
Optional toppings: chopped scallion greens or cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, sliced radishes, cucumbers, red onions, or tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. When the oil is hot (rippling, but not smoking), add ground beef broken into small 2-inch clumps and with a little space between each piece. Don’t stir! Wait until the bottoms are dark brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Flip and brown other side, about 2 minutes. Using the side of a spatula or large spoon, break meat apart into small pieces. Continue cooking until no longer pink, about 1 minute.
Step 2
Add ginger and garlic. Continue stirring for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Stir in soy sauce and agave syrup, scraping the dark bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4
Remove skillet off the heat. Drizzle sesame oil and adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with cooked rice and sprinkle with any of the optional toppings, if you’d like. #dinner #fast #bluecollar #mealprep
Looking for a quick dinner option that packs a flavor punch? This caramelized ground beef with rice is a fantastic choice for those hectic days. Utilizing ground beef (preferably 80/20) ensures a juicy and hearty base, while ingredients like grated ginger and minced garlic elevate the overall taste profile. The use of soy sauce and agave syrup creates a perfect sweet and savory balance, making it irresistible. To enhance the presentation, consider adding optional toppings like sliced cucumbers, radishes, or coriander — not only do they add freshness, but they also bring additional textures to the dish. For a meal prep option, batch-cook the beef mixture over the weekend and store it in the fridge or freeze portions for later. Serve with simple cooked rice, and you have a versatile dish ready to please the whole family any day of the week. Try pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition. Enjoy the simplicity and ease of this delightful recipe!