This beef and pepper rice bowl is a total weeknight game-changer. Juicy, savory beef, tender bell peppers, and fluffy rice come together in a fast, flavor-packed meal that feels like takeout—but better. It’s saucy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to throw together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, you’re going to want this one on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Better Than Takeout – Bold flavors with a homemade touch—no greasy, heavy feeling after!
- Customizable – Use your favorite veggies, swap the protein, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy delicious lunches all week long.
Looking for more one-pan meals? Check out these Gluten-Free Casserole Recipes for more easy and hearty options.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these incredible beef and pepper rice bowls:
- Ground Beef – The star of the dish! Juicy and flavorful, but you can swap for ground turkey or chicken.
- Bell Peppers – A colorful mix of red, yellow, or green peppers adds crunch and sweetness.
- Garlic & Ginger – A powerhouse combo that brings depth and warmth to the dish.
- Soy Sauce – Savory umami goodness that gives the beef that signature flavor.
- Sesame Oil – A drizzle at the end adds a rich, toasty aroma.
- Honey or Brown Sugar – Just a touch to balance out the saltiness and add a hint of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar – Brightens up the flavors and adds a little tang.
- Cooked Rice – The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice works!).
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – For a fresh, flavorful garnish with a bit of crunch.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but a pinch adds a nice heat kick.
📌 Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
1. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Peppers & Aromatics
Toss in the bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Pour it over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat everything in that savory, slightly sweet sauce.
4. Simmer & Serve
Let the beef and peppers simmer for a couple of minutes, letting all the flavors meld together. Drizzle with sesame oil, then serve hot over your favorite rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
For more tips on meal prep-friendly dinners, check out Dice Carrot Frozen Recipes for Dinner.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use High-Quality Beef – Lean ground beef (85/15) keeps it juicy without being too greasy.
- Don’t Overcook the Peppers – Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness – Prefer a less sweet sauce? Reduce the honey or sugar slightly.
- Make It Spicy – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a heat boost!
How to Serve
- Over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a classic combo.
- Try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Spoon it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies.
If you love customizable meals, try Hawaiian Beef Stew for another flavor-packed beef dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the beef mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef and pepper mixture for up to 3 months! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to bring back moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu all work well in this dish. Just adjust seasonings as needed.
Jasmine rice or basmati rice are both great choices because they’re light and fluffy. Brown rice or even quinoa make a good high-fiber option.
Yes! Cook the beef and pepper mixture ahead of time and store it separately from the rice. Assemble when ready to eat for the best texture.
Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and foolproof meal, these Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are about to become a staple in your kitchen. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, so you can switch it up however you like!
Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a homemade version of your favorite takeout dish, this recipe has you covered. Try it out and let me know how you love to serve it!
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Authentic Japanese Pepper Steak Recipe for Beginners
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy ground beef is cooked with vibrant bell peppers and coated in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, then served over fluffy rice. It’s better than takeout and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef – Adds rich, meaty flavor
1 red bell pepper, sliced – Adds sweetness and crunch
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced – Adds vibrant color and a mild flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances depth and fragrance
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – Adds a warm, aromatic note
¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce – Provides a delicious umami taste
1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a toasty, nutty aroma
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Enhances flavor with a mild tang
2 cups cooked white or brown rice – A fluffy base to soak up the sauce
2 green onions, sliced – Adds freshness and crunch for garnish
1 teaspoon sesame seeds – For extra texture and visual appeal
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick
Instructions
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed
Add bell peppers and sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Pour over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly
Let the mixture cook for a few minutes, then drizzle with sesame oil. Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
Notes
Swap the protein with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a variation
Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Add more veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra nutrients
Control the heat by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding sriracha for spice lovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls, easy beef rice bowl, ground beef stir fry, beef and bell pepper recipe, quick dinner, meal prep beef bowl, Asian rice bowl