If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s loaded with savory flavor, pops of color, and a hearty, satisfying bite, these Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are exactly what you need. This is pure comfort food in a bowl: juicy ground beef, sweet and spicy peppers, onion, and a garlicky soy-infused sauce, all heaped over fluffy rice. Whether you’re pressed for time or just want a nourishing, delicious dinner with minimal fuss, this crowd-pleaser brings everyone to the table and is sure to be requested again and again.

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of simple staples that come together in the most crave-worthy way. Every ingredient plays a unique role, from bold flavor to vibrant color, making these Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls a celebration of both taste and texture.

Butter: Adds richness, helps the veggies sauté beautifully, and gives the beef a silky finish.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the bowl—don’t skip it!
Green Bell Pepper (diced): Crisp and slightly bitter, this pepper balances out the sweetness and adds color.
Red Bell Pepper (diced): Adds a burst of sweetness and juicy crunch with every bite.
Jalapeno (diced): Kicks up the flavor with gentle heat—leave the seeds for extra spice!
Ground Beef (1 pound): The protein star that soaks up every ounce of flavor in the pan.
Soy Sauce (½ cup, low sodium optional): Brings the dish together with deep umami flavor—perfectly salty and savory.
Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon): Effortless aromatics, adding bold flavor to the entire mixture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every ingredient—adjust to your taste.
Black Pepper (2 teaspoons): A generous grind gives subtle heat and complexity.
Rice (optional): Fluffy and neutral, rice is the ideal foundation for all the savory juices.

How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start with a large pan over medium heat, and add the butter. Let it melt until it’s bubbly and fragrant. The butter creates a deliciously rich base that will coat your veggies (and later, your beef) with all the flavor they need to shine.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the veggies to soften and release their flavors, but not lose their vibrant colors—they should still have a little bite for great texture in the final bowls.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your veggie mixture. Break it up with a spatula or spoon so it cooks evenly. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing—the veggies and beef combine to create a savory, irresistible aroma. Cook until the beef is fully browned and your veggies are tender.

Step 4: Drain and Return

When the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat. Returning the mixture to the pan keeps all the delicious bits and flavors at the bottom for the next step. This quick extra move ensures your bowls won’t get greasy, but will stay full of flavor.

Step 5: Add Soy Sauce and Seasonings

Time to bring it all together! Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bite is seasoned. The heat will help the sauce soak into the beef and veggies, making the whole pan glossy and mouthwatering.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the beef and pepper mixture generously over bowls of freshly cooked rice. The rice soaks up the sauce and juices, making every bite hearty and comforting. If you want to get fancy, use a scoop for perfectly domed bowls—either way, it will taste fantastic.

How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or cilantro goes a long way to brighten up your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. You can also add a scatter of sesame seeds or a drizzle of Sriracha if you love that bit of extra zing. Keep it casual or make it a little gourmet—your call!

Side Dishes

These bowls are nearly a complete meal by themselves, but if you want to round out your dinner, consider a side of steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a quick miso soup. Each one pairs beautifully and adds extra veggies or freshness to balance the savoriness of your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving these bowls in individual ceramic rice bowls, layering the rice and beef mixture for a pretty presentation. Or, make a fun “build-your-own bowl” station with toppings like avocado, pickled veggies, or shredded carrots so everyone can customize their perfect Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls just as delicious (if not more so) when reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls freeze beautifully! Let the mixture cool completely, then spoon it (without rice) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. Cook rice fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the beef and pepper mixture in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until hot. Serve over freshly steamed rice and garnish as you like—just as good as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great in Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. The seasonings are versatile and will taste delicious with whatever protein you choose.

Is this recipe spicy?

With the jalapeno included, there’s a pleasant kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you’re heat-sensitive, you can skip the jalapeno or remove the seeds. Want it hotter? Add extra jalapenos or a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Snap peas, carrots, or broccoli are fantastic additions to Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. Toss them in when you sauté the bell peppers for added flavor, color, and crunch.

What’s the best rice to use?

Any rice will do, but jasmine or basmati rice is especially fragrant and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice works if you want a lighter bowl.

Can I make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls gluten-free?

Definitely—just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Double-check the spices and other ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Final Thoughts

If you crave comforting, flavor-packed dinners that don’t take all night to make, give these Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls a try. They’re endlessly adaptable, fuss-free, and bound to become a weeknight favorite. Gather your ingredients and make a batch soon—your kitchen (and everyone around your table) will thank you!

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef with a mix of colorful bell peppers and savory seasonings, served over rice for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Melt butter in a large pan.

Add diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Cook for 5 minutes.

Add ground beef.

Cook until beef is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

Drain and return to pan.
Add soy sauce and seasonings.

Mix well to combine.

Serve with cooked rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: beef pepper rice bowls, ground beef recipe, rice bowl recipe, easy dinner recipe