If you're stuck in the cycle of figuring out what to cook with mince every other night you're not cooking with chicken breast, this list is for you. These recipes for mince and rice are built around affordable staples like ground meat and rice, making them practical, filling, and easy to prep ahead.
I've been meal prepping for over 12 years, starting back when I was at university juggling training as an Australian representative trampolinist, studying Law and Psychology, and working as much as I could. Mince and rice were staples for me then because they were affordable, easy to cook in bulk, and versatile enough that I didn't feel like I was eating the same thing every day.
Plus, I also wasn't a very good cook and mince has a large margin for error - take spaghetti bolognese for example, you can cook that until the cows come home and it'll still taste delicious.
Fast forward to now, and that same approach is what I use across Athlete Lunchbox. And after I saw that social media trend that seems to be going around about no one warning you that adulthood is just figuring out what to cook with chicken and beef mince every night, I knew it hit home for more than just me.
These mince recipes - which have a variety of chicken, pork, turkey and beef - is tested to be meal prep friendly with information on how it stores, reheats and freezes to make sure they can support your busy life.
But unlike 12 years ago, I'm now not reliant on microwave rice (although no hate if you need to use it) as I've learnt a few tips and tricks on different rice types and how to cook it along the way.
Easy mince and rice recipes
1. Curried Beef Mince and Rice
A simple and hearty beef mince and rice option that's packed with flavour from curry spices and veggies. This recipe is straight from my Nan's cookbook (very similar to her curried sausages recipe) made with ground beef, curry powder, mixed vegetables, and a savoury sauce served over fluffy rice. It's one of those easy mince recipes that works well for batch cooking and holds up for multiple days in the fridge (and freezer)
2. Korean Beef Bowl and Rice
This Korean-inspired ground beef and rice bowl comes together in 30 minutes with a spicy-sweet sauce using beef mince, gochujang, garlic, and soy. It's a budget-friendly alternative to steak-based versions and ideal for meal prep as the flavours develop overnight, especially when paired with simple toppings like cucumber or sesame seeds.
3. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs and Rice
These Juicy chicken meatballs which contain hidden veggies, sundried tomatoes and basil is served over rice with a flavour-packed sauce. It's a great option if you want something a little different from traditional beef mince with rice while still keeping it easy and meal prep friendly.
4. Pork and Green Beans Stir Fry with Rice
A quick pork mince and rice stir fry with crisp green beans, garlic, and a simple soy-based sauce. This is an easy ground pork recipe that's perfect for weeknights - I mean done and dusted in 20 minutes it's always a win in my mind - and works well for prepping a few days of lunches in advance.
5. Sticky Beef Rice Bowl
A quick beef mince and rice bowl coated in a sweet-salty sauce made with honey, soy and garlic. The bok choy and carrot are coated in the sticky sauce and I can guarantee you'll be licking your plate clean and grateful to have it for meal prep all week. It's one of those easy mince and rice recipes that tastes even better the next day and freezes well for later (that's if you have any left)
6. Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowl
This teriyaki ground beef and rice bowl is fast, balanced, and packed with vegetables like eggplant, all coated in a simple teriyaki sauce. I had someone tell me they were convinced they didn't like eggplant until they tried this recipe so I would definitely count that as a win. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something homemade without spending too much time cooking.
7. Teriyaki Turkey Eggplant Rice Bowl
A lighter option to the Teriyaki beef is using turkey mince which soaks up the homemade teriyaki sauce and makes it incredibly moorish. Served on top of rice and with eggplant, it's a great way to switch up your usual ground meat recipes while keeping things simple and meal prep friendly.
8. Beef Taco Rice Bowl
A ground beef and rice taco bowl made with taco seasoning and topped with things like lettuce, salsa, cheese, and guacamole. It's easy to customise, making it a practical way to satisfy takeaway-style cravings while keeping things budget-friendly and suitable for meal prep.
9. Spicy Beef and Pork Meatballs with Rice
These beef and pork mince meatballs are packed with flavour from a mix of spices and herbs, served with rice and a spicy sauce. Not to mention, they're packed full of secret veggies to bulk out the beef mince and make it more affordable. This big batch makes it perfect for meal prepping and freezing when you want something ready to go during the week, but also keep a stockpile in the freezer for a Plan B.
Other rice bowl recipes you'll like
Or, you can have a browse through my rice bowl meal preps for more delicious eats.
If mince and rice are already staples in your kitchen, these recipes make it easier to turn them into meals you actually want to eat. Save this list for later, rotate a few into your weekly meal prep, and take one decision off your plate.
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