If you’re looking for a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s ready fast, this Beef Pepper Rice Bowl recipe is the perfect choice. It combines tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a soy-based seasoning that brings everything together in one delicious skillet. Served over warm rice, it delivers big flavor with simple ingredients, ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a budget-friendly family dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beef Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
This dish is quick, hearty, and incredibly versatile. It uses just one skillet, requires minimal chopping, and cooks in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory beef, sweet peppers, mild heat from jalapeño, and the umami depth of soy sauce makes these bowls both comforting and boldly flavored. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap the protein for a lighter option like turkey or chicken.
Plus, it’s naturally flexible: serve it with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients for Beef Pepper Rice Bowl
Beef & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
Seasoning Mixture
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
To Serve
- Cooked rice of your choice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati)
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to keep the dish lighter and avoid excess grease. You can also substitute:
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version
Bell Peppers
Red and green peppers add sweetness and color. You can replace them with:
- Yellow or orange peppers
- Mini sweet peppers
- Frozen diced peppers (no need to thaw first)
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce creates a savory, slightly salty finish. To adjust for dietary needs:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt
- Swap with tamari for a gluten-free option
- Try coconut aminos for soy sensitivity
Heat Level
The jalapeño adds mild spice, but you can adjust easily:
- Remove seeds for less heat
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for more heat
- Replace with green bell pepper for no spice
Rice Options
Serve with:
- Jasmine rice for fragrance
- Brown rice for fiber
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions look translucent.
Step 2 – Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned. When the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease, then return everything to the skillet.
Step 3 – Add Seasoning & Simmer
Pour the soy sauce over the beef mixture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the seasoning coats every bite. Cook for another 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4 – Serve Over Rice
Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls and top with the beef and pepper mixture. Add extra black pepper, green onions, or sesame seeds if you like.
Simple Beef Pepper Rice Bowl – Quick Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A fast, flavorful beef pepper rice bowl made with tender ground beef, colorful peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based seasoning—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- Cooked rice of your choice
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and return to the skillet.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook 3–5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve over warm cooked rice. Top with extra black pepper, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Cut vegetables evenly, drain grease for a lighter dish, and taste before adding salt since soy sauce is already salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the beef thoroughly for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Drain the grease to keep the dish light and prevent sogginess.
- Taste before adding extra salt since soy sauce already adds plenty.
- Make extra rice — this dish reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Flavor Variations
- Teriyaki Style: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the soy sauce.
- Garlic Lovers: Stir in 3–4 cloves fresh minced garlic with the vegetables.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, fresh serrano peppers, or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded carrots.
- Stir-Fry Twist: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl pairs well with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Asian-style cucumber salad
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Simple side salad
- Fresh fruit like pineapple or mandarin oranges
For a full meal prep option, divide everything into airtight containers and refrigerate.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Freeze:
- Freeze the beef mixture alone for up to 2 months.
- Freeze the rice separately to maintain texture.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings; approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~26g |
| Carbohydrates | ~38g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~960mg |
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Easy Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
- Easy Ground Turkey Orzo One-Pot Dinner
- Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe in 35 Minutes
FAQ About Beef Pepper Rice Bowl
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for meal prep. The beef mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend. Store the beef and rice separately for best results.
Can I use another type of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles all work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed and check seasoning, since lean meats may need a little more soy sauce or spices.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your seasonings are gluten-free. Serve over rice or quinoa, which are naturally gluten-free.
What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?
Mushrooms, spinach, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas all mix well with the beef and pepper mixture. Add heartier vegetables early and delicate greens at the end.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add more jalapeño, leave the seeds in, or stir in chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve spicy mayo on top for a creamy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Pepper Rice Bowl recipe is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and flexibility. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s a practical option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or busy families who want a homemade meal without the fuss. Customize the vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve it with your favorite style of rice — it’s a dependable, delicious dish you’ll return to again and again.For more inspiration, check out this Authentic Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada You’ll Love or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!