This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a tasty and colorful meal that comes together quickly. Juicy beef and fresh peppers sit on a bed of fluffy rice, making it both hearty and satisfying!
I love how the sizzling beef adds so much flavor and that the peppers give it a bright pop. It’s like a party in a bowl, and who doesn’t love that? 🎉
What’s great is that you can whip this up in just one pan! Perfect for busy days when you still want something yummy. I always add a little extra soy sauce for that extra zing!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: You can use white or jasmine rice for this dish. Jasmine has a lovely aroma, but if you prefer brown rice for added fiber, just remember it needs a bit more water and time to cook, about 20-25 minutes.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Both still deliver good flavor!
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are sweet and colorful, but you can also use green bell peppers for a slightly sharper taste. Yellow or orange peppers are sweeter choices as well.
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, try low-sodium soy sauce. Alternatively, tamari is a great gluten-free option. Remember that coconut aminos can also work for a different flavor.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, a drizzle of olive oil will still work fine, though the taste will be different.
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice might seem tricky, but it’s all about the rinse and the timing! Rinsing helps remove excess starch that can make the rice sticky. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine rinsed rice and water in a pot — generally, the ratio is 1:2 (rice to water).
- Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
This method gives you fluffy rice every time!
How to Make Beef And Pepper Rice Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
For the Beef and Veggies:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beef And Pepper Rice Bowl takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 15-20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a busy weekday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and makes the rice nice and fluffy. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Once it’s done, remove the pot from heat, keeping it covered for an extra 5 minutes to let it steam.
2. Cooking the Beef:
While your rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring and cook the beef until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.
3. Stirring in the Peppers:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the diced red bell pepper along with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender. Don’t forget to season it all with a little salt and pepper to taste!
4. Serving Your Bowl:
To serve, grab some bowls and scoop a generous amount of the fluffy rice into each one. Top the rice with the tasty beef and pepper mixture. For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle with black sesame seeds and some extra green onions for garnish.
5. Enjoy!
Dig into your hot Beef And Pepper Rice Bowl and savor all the delicious flavors. It’s simple, hearty, and oh so satisfying!
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option for added fiber. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes. Follow the same process, but increase the water to 2.5 cups and allow the rice to simmer longer.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground meat. Just sautĂ© them the same way as you would the ground beef!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare this dish ahead! Cook the rice and the beef mixture separately; they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat both components in the microwave or on the stove.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef mixture for longer storage—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and can be enjoyed within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
