This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a tasty meal that combines juicy beef and colorful peppers over fluffy rice. It’s quick to make and oh-so satisfying!
I love how the peppers add a nice crunch and pop of color—perfect for brightening your day! Plus, it’s a one-bowl dinner, so fewer dishes to clean up! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice makes a fluffy base for the dish. If you need a substitute, long-grain white rice or even quinoa could work well. Just adjust the water ratio as needed.
Ground Beef: I always use 80/20 ground beef for the flavor and fat content, but you can also swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based substitutes if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper adds sweetness, but colors like yellow or orange can also work. If you’re out of fresh peppers, a handful of frozen bell pepper strips is a good alternative.
Green Onions: The white part adds a mild onion flavor, while the green part gives a fresh crunch. Chives or even diced regular onion can substitute both if you’re out of green onions.
Oyster Sauce: While it’s optional, it adds depth. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free oyster sauce or skip it altogether. Soy sauce alone can also work!
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice properly is key to this dish! Here’s how to ensure perfect rice:
- Rinse the rice well under cold water until clear water runs out. This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticky rice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring it to a boil on high heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
- After cooking, let it stand covered for 5 minutes. This step helps to finish the cooking gently.
- Finally, fluff with a fork for fluffy rice. Enjoy!
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups water
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground beef substitute)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water, then bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. After that, remove it from the heat, keep it covered, and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork when you’re ready.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
While the rice is cooking, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until they’re aromatic. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish lighter.
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and the chopped white parts of the green onions. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften a bit.
5. Season the Mixture:
Now it’s time to flavor your beef! Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes so those wonderful flavors can blend.
6. Serve:
When everything is ready, grab some bowls. Start by layering a generous portion of rice in each bowl, then top it with the beef and pepper mixture. Don’t forget to garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds to make it look extra tasty!
7. Enjoy:
Now dig in and enjoy your warm and flavorful Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl! It’s perfect for a quick dinner or when you have friends over!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice for its health benefits, just keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice needs about 40-45 minutes to cook. Adjust the water ratio to about 2.5 cups of water for 1 cup of brown rice.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or tofu work well. Simply cook them similarly in the skillet, ensuring they’re fully cooked through. For lentils, consider pre-cooking them before adding to the skillet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. Softer veggies like spinach can be added right at the end, just enough to wilt them.
