noun
Refers specifically to steamed white rice as a food item. Often used in compound expressions like ご飯を炊く (to cook rice).
朝ご飯にご飯と味噌汁を食べた。
I had rice and miso soup for breakfast.
noun
meal;
General term for a meal, often used in polite or everyday contexts. Can refer to any meal of the day (朝ご飯, 昼ご飯, 晩ご飯).
晩ご飯は何にしますか。
What would you like for dinner?
ご飯を食べに行きませんか。
Shall we go out for a meal?