Ultimate Beef and Rice Meal Prep for Gains Recipe

Ingredients: - 1 lb lean ground beef - 1 cup brown rice - 2 cups water or beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup frozen peas (optional) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional) Instructions: 1. Cook the rice: In a medium pot, combine rice and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes until tender. Set aside. 2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. 3. Add vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. 4. Optional: Stir in frozen peas and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.