If you’re craving something hearty, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. This vibrant dish brings together tender ground beef, sweet and spicy peppers, and that irresistible savory depth from soy sauce, all piled over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the kind of meal that’s as easy to whip up on a busy weeknight as it is crowd-pleasing when you want to share a taste of home-cooked comfort with friends and family.

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls is in its simplicity—the ingredients are humble but each has a special job, whether it’s giving crunch, a touch of sweetness, or that welcoming, melty savoriness. Nothing fancy here, just everyday kitchen staples coming together for something truly delicious!

Butter: Adds luscious richness and helps give the vegetables just the right amount of caramelization.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Gives a slightly sweet and aromatic base that holds the whole bowl together.
Green bell pepper (diced): Brings a grassy crunch and pop of color.
Red bell pepper (diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and another layer of brightness to the dish.
Jalapeno (diced): Offers a little kick, perfectly balanced so it excites, not overwhelms.
Ground beef (1 pound): Juicy, savory, and satisfying—beef is the heart of these rice bowls.
Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Infuses bold umami flavor, tying the whole bowl together with a savory, slightly salty note.
Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Quick and easy, garlic powder seasons the beef thoroughly in seconds.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Lets all the other flavors shine while keeping the dish in perfect balance.
Black pepper (2 teaspoons): Brings a gentle spice and roundness to each bite.
Rice (optional, for serving): Fluffy rice soaks up all that juicy beef and pepper goodness—don’t skip it!

How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start things off by adding the butter to a large pan over medium heat. Let it melt fully—when it starts to sizzle and foam a bit, you’ll know it’s ready. This step gives you a gorgeous, flavorful base for sautéing your veggies and helps everything stay tender and golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Drop in the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Stir everything together and cook for about five minutes, letting the veggies soften and their flavors bloom. This quick sauté ensures that every spoonful of your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls is packed with perfectly cooked, colorful vegetables.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef straight into the pan with the veggies. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is fully browned and there’s no more pink left. At this stage, the beef mingles with the sautéed vegetables for a truly crave-worthy filling.

Step 4: Drain the Mixture

Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and balanced. Return the beef and veggie mixture to the pan—it should look glossy and inviting, with the colors of those peppers shining through.

Step 5: Add Soy Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in the soy sauce along with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so that every little piece of beef and every sliver of pepper gets coated in that tangy-salty goodness. Let everything cook together for a couple more minutes, just until the flavors are completely mingled and the aroma makes it impossible to wait any longer.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the hot, glistening beef and pepper mixture generously over bowls of cooked rice. Each bite gives you a perfect balance of juicy meat, peppery warmth, and tender-crisp veggies with that comforting, flavorful sauce. That’s the magic of Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls!

How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Garnishes

Garnishing is the best way to take your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls from “yum” to “wow.” Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, or a scattering of sesame seeds over the top for an extra punch of color and freshness. If you like things a touch spicier, a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp can bring some extra excitement to the bowl.

Side Dishes

This dish is bold and hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also plays well with others! Try pairing your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly steamed broccoli for some green crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, an egg drop soup or some dumplings on the side would make your meal feel like an at-home takeout feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to switch things up? Try serving the savory beef and pepper mixture over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or in crisp lettuce cups for a fun, finger-food option. Little ones might love seeing their Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls deconstructed, with each topping arranged separately for customizable scoops. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are a true weeknight treasure! Let the mixture cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can scoop out portions for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week without losing any of that zippy flavor or saucy tenderness.

Freezing

If you want to save extra servings for another night, Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls freeze surprisingly well. Portion the cooled beef and pepper mix (without the rice) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat for easier stacking in the freezer, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The flavors meld so beautifully over time!

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the chilled or thawed mixture to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave for convenience—just cover to keep the moisture in. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed, and serve hot over freshly cooked rice for that made-just-now taste.

FAQs

Can I use different types of peppers in Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in yellow or orange bell peppers for a different sweetness or use poblano or Anaheim peppers for a mild twist. This recipe is easy to adapt based on what’s in your fridge—or your own preferences for flavor and heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls can be made gluten-free simply by using tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Just double-check any seasonings or sauces you add to ensure they’re certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes in Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. Just know that they’re a little leaner, so you might want to add a touch more butter or a splash of oil to keep things juicy and flavorful.

How spicy are these rice bowls?

The heat level is pretty mild, thanks to just one jalapeno mingling with the sweeter bell peppers. If you’re spice-sensitive, simply leave out the jalapeno or opt for a milder pepper. If you’re a heat chaser, toss in an extra pepper or up the black pepper for more zing!

Can I prep the veggies ahead of time?

You sure can. Dice the onions and peppers up to two days ahead, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, everything comes together even faster—making Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls the ultimate time-saver.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into these Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls! This recipe truly brings big flavor with minimal fuss, and it’s easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite in your regular meal rotation.

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with colorful bell peppers and zesty jalapenos, all seasoned to perfection. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this meal is a satisfying option for a quick and delicious dinner.

Instructions

Melt the butter: In a large pan, melt the butter.
Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ground beef.
Cook: Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Drain and return: Drain any excess fat and return the mixture to the pan.
Season: Add soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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