Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Busy weeknights call for a one-pan meal that is flavorful and satisfying. Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls check every box with juicy ground beef and a mix of peppers all tossed together and served over fluffy rice. Each bite hits the spot and clean up is a breeze.

This recipe saved me countless nights after soccer practice when everyone came home hungry and tired. Once you try it you will see why my crew never leaves a single grain of rice behind.

Ingredients

• Butter: adds richness and makes the vegetables tender
• Onion: look for one that feels heavy and firm for great flavor
• Green and red bell peppers: give sweetness and color choose ones with smooth unblemished skin
• Jalapeno: adds mild heat use more or less to suit your preference and make sure it is shiny and green
• Ground beef: choose fresh beef with bright color for best results
• Soy sauce: deepens the umami flavor opt for low sodium if you prefer
• Garlic powder: brings a boost of savory taste
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors
• Black pepper: gives a gentle kick freshly cracked if possible
• Rice: use your favorite variety cooked separately white brown or jasmine all work well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the Butter:

In a large skillet over medium heat add the butter and let it melt until bubbling gently This gives you a perfect surface for softening the vegetables

Cook the Vegetables:

Add diced onion green bell pepper red bell pepper and jalapeno to the pan Stir well and cook for five minutes until the edges look translucent and the peppers are just starting to soften This builds a delicious base and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef directly into the vegetables Use a spoon to carefully break it up Stir and cook until there is no pink left and the beef is crumbly but not dry about eight minutes

Drain and Return:

Turn off the heat and carefully drain off extra fat from the pan especially if using regular ground beef Return the beef and vegetables to the skillet for even mixing

Season Everything:

Add soy sauce garlic powder salt and black pepper Stir slowly so everything is coated The sauce will soak into the beef and vegetables making every bite savory and juicy

Serve on Rice:

Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over bowls of hot cooked rice Make sure to get plenty of the sauce at the bottom of the pan for added flavor

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My favorite ingredient is the jalapeno because it gives just the right burst of warmth without being overwhelming The first time I made this my youngest proudly declared it the best rice dinner ever leading us to make it part of our weekly rotation

Storage Tips

Let the beef and pepper mixture cool completely before storing in an airtight container It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days For longer storage freeze in single serve portions and thaw overnight in the fridge for grab and go lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to change things up swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and it will still taste great Bell peppers in any color work well and you can even toss in mushrooms or snap peas Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free option

Serving Suggestions

Scoop this hearty mixture over plain white rice or try brown rice for extra fiber It also tastes wonderful tucked into lettuce wraps or served alongside a fried egg If you like toppings sprinkle with scallions or sesame seeds for an extra pop

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A Bit of Context

Rice bowls like this are a staple all over Asia often featuring quick cooking proteins and colorful vegetables Every family puts their own twist on the recipe which is why you can adjust the sauce and heat level to match your crowd In my grandmother’s kitchen anything served over rice was bound to be comforting and filling

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of rice works best for this dish?

Jasmine or long-grain white rice gives the best texture, but brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used as alternatives.

→ Can I make this less spicy?

Simply leave out the jalapeno or use a milder pepper to adjust the heat level to your preference.

→ Is it possible to use a different protein?

Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or pork make great substitutes for beef while maintaining a similar flavor profile.

→ What vegetables can I add for variety?

Try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition in your bowl.

→ Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, the beef and pepper mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily for quick lunches.