If you’re looking for a flavor-packed meal that’s satisfying and speedy, Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls will absolutely win you over. This vibrant dish is a personal lifesaver for weeknights, delivering perfectly seasoned ground beef, crisp-tender peppers, and fluffy white rice in every bite. The combination of savory, spicy, and colorful ingredients creates a harmony that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a cozy bowl for yourself, Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something special you’ll want to make again and again.

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls is that every ingredient has a purpose, contributing either a pop of color, a boost of flavor, or a hint of heat. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll see just how beautifully they come together.

Butter: Melting butter in the pan first not only adds richness, but also helps all the veggies caramelize for more flavor.
Onion (diced): Onion brings natural sweetness and aroma, providing the delicious backbone of the dish.
Green bell pepper (diced): This delivers crunch and a slightly grassy note that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Red bell pepper (diced): Red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Jalapeno (diced): For just the right amount of spicy kick, diced jalapeno brightens every bite; de-seed for milder heat!
Ground beef (1 pound): The star of the show, ground beef makes this bowl hearty and protein-packed.
Soy sauce (½ cup): Soy sauce is essential for savory depth; feel free to use low sodium if you prefer.
Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Garlic powder ensures every bite gets a boost of aromatic, garlicky goodness without extra chopping.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough salt to bring everything together, especially if you go with low sodium soy sauce.
Black pepper (2 teaspoons): Plenty of black pepper gives the dish its signature warmth and spicy backbone.
Rice (optional): Steamed rice makes the ultimate base to soak up all that delicious sauce!

How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté

Start by placing a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, then add the butter. Let it melt until it’s foamy and just starting to bubble—this sets up your veggies for the ultimate caramelization. The buttery base will infuse a subtle richness that ties the whole bowl together.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Next, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Stir everything well, then cook for about 5 minutes. The onions will start to soften and become translucent while the peppers retain a bit of crunch and vibrant color. If you love your peppers super soft, you can cook them a couple minutes longer, but I adore a bit of bite!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the pan with the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Keep everything moving so the beef browns evenly and soaks up those savory veggie juices. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Drain Excess Fat

Now it’s time for a quick cleanup—carefully drain any excess fat from the pan to keep your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls light and fresh (and not greasy!). Return the mixture to the pan to finish up the seasoning process.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Seasonings

Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the soy sauce. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix so the seasonings coat every single morsel. Let it cook for another minute or two, just long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the beef and peppers.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the fragrant beef and peppers over a hearty scoop of rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feeling virtuous. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, making every bite deeply satisfying and full of savory gusto.

How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Garnishes

Elevate your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls with a handful of garnishes—think chopped green onions for a fresh, zippy crunch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle nutty note, or even a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat. A little chopped cilantro can add a burst of color and aromatic finish for those who love it!

Side Dishes

These bowls are wonderful on their own, but if you’re feeling festive, serve alongside silky steamed edamame, a cooling cucumber salad, or simply some crisp pickled ginger. Their fresh flavors balance the richness of the main dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and modern twist, spoon your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls mixture into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version. Or turn it into a vibrant rice bowl bar for a crowd—set out all the toppings and let everyone build their dream bowl right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the rice and beef mixture separate if possible, so nothing gets mushy, and everything reheats evenly.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with a homemade meal, this recipe is a winner. Just spoon the cooled beef and pepper mixture into freezer-safe containers (skip the rice), label, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For quick lunches, simply reheat the beef and peppers in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly, then serve with freshly made or leftover rice. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to help bring back that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Try swapping the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a twist—they all work wonderfully and will soak up the savory sauce.

How can I make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls less spicy?

If you prefer things milder, simply omit the jalapeno or remove its seeds before dicing. You’ll still get loads of flavor without the extra heat.

Is there a low-carb option for this dish?

Definitely! Serve your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed cabbage to keep things light and keto-friendly.

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and pepper mixture in advance and store it separately from the rice. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat, assemble, and enjoy—perfect for busy lunches.

What other vegetables work well in this recipe?

So many options work beautifully—try tossing in mushrooms, snap peas, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach for more color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something comforting and joyful about a big, beautiful bowl of Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls made at home. This is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when you need an easy win in the kitchen that still feels impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—dig in and enjoy every savory, colorful bite!

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls is a delicious and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef with a colorful mix of bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos, all served over steamed rice.

Instructions

Melt Butter: In a large pan, melt butter.
Saute Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add Ground Beef: Stir in the ground beef and cook until fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Drain: Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
Season: Add soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Serve: Serve the beef and pepper mixture over cooked rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American