This Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a colorful and tasty dish! With tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.
You can whip this up in no time! I love how quick it is—perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without much fuss. Plus, it looks pretty on the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dish its heartiness. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, try lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.
Rice: Jasmine rice has a lovely fragrance, but white rice or brown rice works well too. Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative if you want to switch things up.
Bell Pepper: I love the sweetness of red bell peppers, but you can use any color—yellow or green—or even mixed peppers for variety. Zucchini or mushrooms are great veggie additions as well!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds a nice umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, consider tamari or coconut aminos. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, but honey or maple syrup can work too if you don’t have it!
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can be simple, but there are a few tricks to get it just right! Here’s how:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding oil.
- Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger quickly to avoid burning—about 30 seconds is all you need!
- Next, toss in your ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, making sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, you can carefully drain it off before adding your peppers and sauce.
This method keeps the beef juicy and flavorful, perfect for your rice bowl!
Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or white rice
- For the Beef and Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Black and white sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll quickly have a satisfying meal on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and keep it warm while you prepare the beef and pepper mixture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will give your dish a delicious base flavor!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, you can drain it off.
4. Add the Bell Pepper:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pepper is slightly soft but still retains its vibrant color and crunch.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar. This mix will add a wonderful balance of flavors to your dish!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and pepper in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure that the beef and peppers are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is heated through.
7. Taste and Season:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper, if needed. It should be flavorful and delicious!
8. Assemble Your Bowls:
To serve, divide the warm rice into bowls. Top each bowl with the beef and pepper mixture, ensuring an even distribution of those lovely flavors.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for a delightful finish. Serve hot and enjoy your easy beef and pepper rice bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils, shredded jackfruit, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and ginger. You can also drizzle a touch of sriracha or chili sauce into the finished dish for an extra kick!
Can I Meal Prep This Dish?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook everything ahead of time, store it in airtight containers, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy it as is or serve over freshly cooked rice!
