Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is about to become a weeknight favorite. Made with juicy ground beef, sautéed peppers, and a savory soy-garlic sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Best of all? It’s ready in about 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients.
As a food writer, I’m always chasing recipes that balance comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor—and this one hits every mark.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty rice bowl. It’s customizable, filling, and endlessly versatile. This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl works because:
- It’s made in one skillet
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
- Has bold, savory flavor without complicated steps
- Is easy to customize for spice level and dietary needs
- Makes fantastic leftovers
It’s the kind of meal you can throw together after a long day and still feel like you made something special.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium optional)
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional but highly recommended)
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
Ground Beef:
You can swap for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer something leaner. For extra richness, an 80/20 beef blend works beautifully.
Soy Sauce:
Low sodium is ideal to control salt levels. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos.
Butter:
Olive oil works well if you prefer not to use butter.
Jalapeño:
Adjust to taste. Remove seeds for mild heat or double it if you love spice.
Rice Options:
White jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa all pair well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
3. Add Seasonings
Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
4. Serve
Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over warm cooked rice and serve immediately.
Servings: 4
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the peppers. You want them tender but still slightly crisp for texture.
- Drain the beef well if using a higher-fat blend.
- Taste before adding extra salt. Soy sauce already adds significant sodium.
- Prep your rice ahead of time to make this a true 30-minute meal.
If you’re meal prepping, this mixture holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This bowl is hearty on its own, but you can elevate it with:
- A fried egg on top
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil
For a complete comfort-food spread, try pairing it with:
- A refreshing drink like this Classic Margarita Recipe – Easy and Delicious
- Or something family-style like This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- If you’re in the mood for Italian comfort next time, don’t miss this Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
For a cozy Southern-inspired dinner rotation, you might also love This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
And if you’re feeding a crowd, These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are always a safe bet.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g (without rice)
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: Varies depending on soy sauce used
Note: Nutrition will vary based on rice choice and beef fat percentage.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- This mixture freezes well for up to 2 months.
For meal prep, store the beef mixture and rice separately for best texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, here are more satisfying dinners to add to your weekly rotation:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying flavor. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and homemade.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you add extra heat? Toss in broccoli or mushrooms? Drop a comment and share your twist.
And if you’re loving these easy, flavor-packed recipes, be sure to follow along on Chef Maniac for more comfort-food favorites from my kitchen to yours.
— Jason Griffith
