This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy beef and colorful peppers served over fluffy rice. It’s a quick meal that’s both filling and healthy!
Who can resist all those vibrant colors? I love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy night. Just stir-fry, and you’re ready to dig in—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: White rice is a classic for this dish, providing a great base. If you’re looking for something healthier, try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Quinoa is also a great alternative for added protein!
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives the dish its heartiness. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version. I like to use 80/20 beef for more flavor!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap it with yellow or orange bell peppers; they work just as well. Zucchini or snap peas can also be tasty alternatives if you want more variety.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick substitute—just 1/8 teaspoon per clove will do. But fresh garlic really brings the dish to life!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for that umami kick. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a fantastic alternative. I love adding oyster sauce for extra depth, but if it’s not your thing, leave it out without any worries.
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice can be tricky! Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps keep it from getting sticky.
- Combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
- Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes—don’t lift the lid while it cooks!
- Once the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork.
This technique ensures your rice is perfectly cooked—light and fluffy! Plus, each grain will separate nicely, making your dish even more enjoyable.
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
For the Beef and Pepper Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15-18 minutes to cook the rice, while the beef and peppers will take about 10-12 minutes. Perfect for a quick and filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
First, rinse the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Then, place the rinsed rice in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. The water should be absorbed, and the rice will become tender. When done, turn the heat off and leave it covered.
2. Prepare the Beef:
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Veggies to the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, toss in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them together for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften a bit.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and minced ginger (if you like a bit of spice). Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Serve the Bowl:
To serve, scoop a generous portion of the cooked rice into a bowl. Top it with the flavorful beef and pepper mixture. Add some chopped green onions and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for a lovely finish.
6. Enjoy!
Your delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is ready to be enjoyed hot. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. For this recipe, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes of simmering time after bringing it to a boil, and the water ratio is often 2.5 cups of water per cup of brown rice. Adjust as needed for the perfect texture!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose until it’s cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the rice and beef mixture from drying out, you can add a splash of water when reheating. Microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, a mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar can work as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, hoisin sauce can also be a tasty alternative. Adjust the quantity to taste!
