This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish made with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a touch of jalapeño for a bit of heat. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy this dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of savory beef, slightly sweet bell peppers, and the kick from the jalapeño makes every bite delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prep, customizable with different seasonings, and easy to adjust for spice levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons butter
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
½ cup soy sauce (low sodium, optional)
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: cooked rice
Directions
Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it is fully browned and the vegetables are tender.
Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Serve hot with cooked rice if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
Make it spicier – Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Go low-carb – Serve over cauliflower rice or eat it on its own.
Add more veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots work great in this dish.
Switch up the protein – Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Make it saucier – Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Related Recipes:
- Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice
- Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion
FAQs
How can I make this dish less spicy?
I leave out the jalapeño or replace it with a milder pepper like a poblano.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, but I sauté them for a little longer to remove excess moisture before adding the beef.
What type of rice goes best with this dish?
I like serving it with jasmine or basmati rice, but brown rice or even quinoa works well too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Coconut aminos or tamari are good alternatives if I want a soy-free option.
Conclusion
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s a dish I keep coming back to. Whether I customize it with extra spice, more veggies, or a different protein, it always turns out great.
📖 Recipe:
PrintBeef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish made with savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a touch of jalapeño for a bit of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy one-pan meal pairs beautifully with rice and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer it spicier, low-carb, or with a different protein, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
1 pound ground beef
½ cup soy sauce (low sodium, optional)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Optional: cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the pan – Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté vegetables – Add onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook beef – Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease.
- Season – Stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Serve – Spoon over cooked rice and enjoy hot!
Notes
Make it spicier – Add an extra jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
Low-carb option – Serve with cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.
Add more veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots work well.
Protein swap – Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken.
Saucier version – Add hoisin or oyster sauce for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving