A quick and vibrant one-bowl meal, the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl features tender ground beef, crisp bell peppers, and fluffy rice, all brought together with a flavorful soy-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this is ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious and Balanced: A perfect mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs in one bowl.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your tastes or dietary needs.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add sesame oil to the other side and toss in the diced red and green bell peppers and the onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. - Combine Ingredients:
Stir the vegetables and beef together. Sprinkle in garlic powder and ground ginger. Mix well to combine. - Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the beef and pepper mixture. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as substitutes.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Absolutely. Frozen peppers are a convenient option and cook quickly in the skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What rice works best for this dish?
Both white and brown rice are great options. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance.
How can I make this spicier?
Add chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store portions in individual containers with rice for easy grab-and-go meals.
Can I add an egg on top?
Yes, a fried or poached egg makes a delicious addition to this bowl.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
You can use a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a touch of peanut butter as an alternative.
Can I cook the rice in advance?
Absolutely. Use leftover rice or cook it ahead of time to save even more time.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef, add more vegetables, and opt for brown rice or quinoa.
Conclusion
The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and balanced meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables over fluffy rice, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a wholesome, one-bowl delight!
Print
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions.
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add sesame oil to the other side and toss in the diced red and green bell peppers and the onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. - Combine Ingredients:
Stir the vegetables and beef together. Sprinkle in garlic powder and ground ginger. Mix well to combine. - Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the beef and pepper mixture. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a spicier version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for variation.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stir-frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg