🥩 Savory Beef & Spinach Rice Bowl

A Comforting, One-Bowl Dinner with Farm-Fresh Flavor

If you’re looking for a quick and hearty meal that celebrates farm fresh food, this Savory Beef & Spinach Rice Bowl is just the ticket. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and designed to highlight the natural flavors of local farm food—like pasture-raised ground beef and fresh greens.

This recipe also makes smart use of garlic scapes, a short-season treasure you’ll often find in early summer CSA boxes or farm fresh food delivery totes. They bring a mellow, garlicky depth to the dish—no peeling required.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch cooking for the week, this meal delivers flavor and nourishment in one humble bowl.

🛒 Shopping List

🥕 Produce

• Garlic scapes (or 2 garlic cloves)
• Fresh spinach
• Scallions (optional)

🥩 Protein

• 1 lb pasture-raised ground beef

🧂 Pantry Items / Spices

• Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Tamari or soy sauce
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Chili flakes or chili crisp (optional)
• Salt and pepper

🔄 Optional Add-Ons or Swaps

• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard
• Add shredded carrots, cabbage, or zucchini
• Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg

 

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 garlic scapes, chopped (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chili flakes or chili crisp (optional)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)

👨🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic scapes and cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

2. Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add spinach

Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

4. Season

Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari) and sesame oil, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Assemble the bowls

Scoop cooked rice into bowls, then top with the beef and spinach mixture. Garnish with scallions and a drizzle of chili crisp or a sprinkle of chili flakes, if desired.

 

🍽️ Serving & Storage Suggestions

Plating & Garnishes

• Add a fried egg on top for richness
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for crunch
• Serve with pickled veggies or kimchi on the side

Drink Pairing

• Iced green tea or a cold local lager
  
  

Storage Notes

• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave
• Great for meal prep lunches