Beef Pepper Rice Bowl

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Craving something hearty, saucy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen? The Beef Pepper Rice Bowl might be your next go-to dinner. It’s that perfect balance of savory ground beef, sweet and crunchy bell peppers, and rich, glossy sauce—all piled over a bed of fluffy rice. This is the kind of one-bowl wonder that fills you up, warms you up, and tastes even better the next day.

Inspired by quick Asian-style stir-fries and comfort food cravings, this beefy rice bowl delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The best part? It cooks up in a single pan and comes together in under 30 minutes. If you’re into vibrant, colorful meals with juicy textures and layers of umami, this one’s calling your name.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Beef Pepper Rice Bowl, you don’t need fancy gadgets, but a few key tools will make the process smoother:

• Large Skillet or Wok: This is your main cooking vessel. It distributes heat evenly, allowing the beef to brown beautifully and the peppers to stir-fry without turning soggy.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps break up the ground beef and stir the sauce without damaging your cookware.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for quickly and cleanly slicing bell peppers into thin strips.
• Cutting Board: Choose one large enough to prep all your veggies without crowding.
• Rice Cooker or Saucepan: Whether you’re making jasmine, basmati, or brown rice, having perfectly cooked rice is critical. A rice cooker offers set-it-and-forget-it ease.

With these tools on hand, the cooking process becomes efficient, clean, and even enjoyable. Let’s move to what you need to bring this dish to life!

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Ingredients for the Beef Pepper Rice Bowl

Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials you’ll need for this colorful, comforting bowl:

• Ground Beef: The protein centerpiece. Choose 80/20 for flavor or leaner cuts if preferred.
• Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green): They add crunch, color, and sweetness that balances the savory beef.
• Onion: Brings depth and a mild aromatic bite. Yellow onions work best.
• Garlic: Adds that classic base layer of flavor that ties the sauce together.
• Soy Sauce: For saltiness and umami. It’s the backbone of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness to round out the soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect glossy texture.
• Black Pepper: It’s not called a pepper bowl for nothing! Adds heat and spice.
• Cooked Rice: Acts as the foundation to soak up all the flavor.
• Green Onions (Optional): For a pop of freshness at the end.

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How To Make the Beef Pepper Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers

Toss in the sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still with some crunch.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and a splash of water with cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop rice into bowls. Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over the top. Garnish with green onions if using.

This dish is hot, glossy, and layered with flavor—the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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How to Serve and Store Your Beef Pepper Rice Bowl

This dish shines brightest when served piping hot, straight from the skillet onto a mound of fluffy rice. If you want to boost the flavor even more, serve it with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For a vibrant side, try a quick cucumber salad or steamed edamame.

As for storing, Beef Pepper Rice Bowl holds up well. Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, splash a bit of water over the top before microwaving to bring back moisture. This dish also freezes nicely—just store the beef mixture and rice separately for best texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is our favorite for its fragrance and fluffiness, but any long-grain rice works well, including basmati or even brown rice for added fiber.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day. Just keep the rice and beef mixture separate until you’re ready to serve.

Is it okay to use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, frozen peppers can work in a pinch. They might release a little more water, so cook them a bit longer to maintain texture.

Can I make it spicy?

Totally! Add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to the sauce or when sautéing the peppers.

What other proteins can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be substituted easily.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients to make sure they’re certified gluten-free.

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Want More Rice Bowl Ideas?

You might also enjoy the bold and smoky flavor in my One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice, a weeknight staple packed with heat and sweetness. For a chicken-based variation, the Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls keep things sticky, savory, and simple.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the One Pot French Onion Chicken Rice Recipe—melty, cheesy, and irresistibly rich. Or go vegetarian with the Roasted Veggie and Hummus Bowl for a creamy-meets-roasted texture combo.

Looking for something southern-inspired? The Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup gives you a cozy vibe in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for easy reference later. Just click the Pin button.

And when you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you spice it up? Add more veggies? Leave a comment below and let’s chat.

For even more dinner bowls and easy comfort food, check out my Pinterest board: LadyPlate Recipes on Pinterest

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