Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

There’s something incredibly comforting about a Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl. It’s one of those dishes that can evoke feelings of home and warmth, all while being super easy to whip up after a long day. Picture this: colorful bell peppers sizzling in a hot skillet, fragrant garlic dancing in the air, and tender ground beef soaking up all those delicious sauces. Yum! This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible—you can easily customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your needs or what you have on hand. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
• Ingredients
• Cooking Instructions
• Preparing the Vegetables
• Aromatic Addition
• Cooking the Beef
• Mixing the Sauce
• Serving the Rice Bowl
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl shines for several reasons. First, the magical combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates a memorable flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers add not just taste but also a feast for the eyes. Secondly, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It is quick to prepare, coming together in about 30 minutes, which makes it a perfect option when time is tight. Finally, it’s surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or cater to specific dietary preferences, you can easily modify the ingredients while still keeping it delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

You’ll immediately fall in love with this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl after just one bite. It satisfies those cravings for a hearty meal, making it ideal for those days when you’re feeling particularly hungry. Plus, the colorful presentation is sure to impress anyone you’re serving, making it not just a meal but a dining experience. It’s also super easy to prepare using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. So whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe keeps things simple and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 80/20)
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
• 17.3 ounces (1 pouch) Jasmine rice (or substitute with any boil-in-bag rice or leftover takeout rice)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a deep-sided 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and all the bell peppers, stirring them frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened but still vibrant.

Aromatic Addition

Next, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Be careful here: burning the garlic will ruin your dish. Cook this aromatic mixture for just an additional minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Cooking the Beef

Now, it’s time to add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. You’ll want to brown it evenly until there’s no pink left. This process typically takes around 5-7 minutes. Once done, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Mixing the Sauce

After the beef is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Mix everything together well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens. If you want more flavor, feel free to adjust the seasoning with some salt and pepper.

Serving the Rice Bowl

Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once done, serve the flavorful beef and pepper mixture generously over the rice. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Enjoy immediately for the best taste!

Serving Suggestions

You can elevate your meal by pairing it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. If you love heat, consider adding extra sriracha on top to kick up the spice level.

Tips for Success

To truly make this dish shine, use high-quality ground beef. The flavor difference is noticeable. You can also sneak in other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to add more variety and nutrition.

Variations

If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef. Additionally, experimenting with different sauces like teriyaki can give this dish a unique twist you might love.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to eat again, simply reheat the beef and pepper mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Pairing Ideas

Consider enjoying this meal with a side of garlic bread or pita chips for a bit of crunch. For beverages, a light white wine or sparkling water can make for a refreshing drink to complement your hearty rice bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time.

2. Is this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl spicy?
You have full control over the spice by adjusting the amount of sriracha to your liking.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the beef and pepper mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months.

4. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
A mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar works well if you don’t have hoisin on hand.

5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat or tofu.

Every bite of this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is an exciting journey filled with flavor, color, and warmth. So, gather your ingredients, invite a friend over, and make this delicious dish together. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. Enjoy the fantastic blend of spices and textures as you savor each mouthful!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon
• Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print