This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the perfect quick family dinner when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying after a busy day. With tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce poured over warm jasmine rice, this recipe brings big flavor with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
This dish checks every box for a practical, delicious weeknight meal. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and everything comes together in under 35 minutes. The combination of beef, peppers, garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce creates a comforting, takeout-style flavor without the cost of ordering out. It’s also customizable — swap proteins, adjust the heat level, or use your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this recipe is reliable, colorful, and incredibly easy to love.
Ingredients for Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or favorite mild hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Optional: sesame seeds, sliced green onions for garnish
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
Protein options:
- You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles if you want a lighter version.
- For extra vegetables, add mushrooms or zucchini along with the peppers.
Sauce swaps:
- If you need gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- If hoisin sauce is unavailable, a mix of soy sauce, a small pinch of sugar, and a little ketchup can mimic its mild sweetness.
Rice alternatives:
- Brown rice, quinoa, farro, cauliflower rice, or even noodles all pair well.
- For a lighter bowl, try shredded lettuce or steamed broccoli as the base.
Heat control:
- Keep it mild by reducing or skipping the sriracha.
- Add crushed red pepper or chili garlic sauce if you prefer extra spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and all three colors of bell peppers. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. This builds the base flavor and brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the mixture becomes fragrant. These two ingredients brighten the dish and create the classic stir-fry aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. If needed, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4 : Add the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Allow everything to simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meat and peppers. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5 : Build the Bowls
While the sauce simmers, make sure your rice is cooked and warm. Add a generous scoop of rice to each bowl, then top with a hearty portion of the beef and pepper mixture. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, bright touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same speed.
- Use lean beef to avoid excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
- Don’t overcook the peppers — a little crispness gives the bowl great texture.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Prep rice first, so it’s ready when the beef mixture finishes.
- Double the sauce if you prefer extra moisture for rice bowls.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet & Mild: Add a splash of pineapple juice or stir in diced pineapple.
- Spicy Garlic: Increase the garlic and add chili paste for more heat.
- Ginger Teriyaki: Add a little extra ginger and a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Swap soy + hoisin for mild taco seasoning and a splash of broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried green beans.
- Add a fresh cucumber salad for a cooling contrast.
- Top bowls with red cabbage, shredded carrots, or avocado slices for extra color.
- For school-friendly lunches, pack the rice and beef mixture separately to keep textures fresh.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the rice and beef mixture separate if possible, so reheating is easier.
Freezer:
You can freeze the beef and pepper mixture for up to 2 months. Freeze the rice separately in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
(Approximate values — varies by ingredients used.)
FAQ About Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
What kind of beef works best for this recipe?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) works great because it provides enough flavor without creating too much grease. You can also use extra-lean beef or replace it with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based option. The dish is very adaptable and still tastes great with lighter proteins because the sauce adds richness and depth.
Can I make this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the rice and beef mixture separately to keep the textures ideal. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water or broth to bring back moisture. You can also pre-portion bowls into containers for grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
How do I make this recipe spicier or milder?
For a milder version, reduce or skip the sriracha entirely. To increase the heat, add more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce. Since the sauce is added at the end, it’s easy to adjust without affecting the cooking process.
Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers are the star, but other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini work well. Aim for vegetables that cook quickly or can be stir-fried without becoming mushy. Mixing in different colors and textures can make the dish even more visually appealing.
What type of rice is best?
Jasmine rice is the classic choice because it’s aromatic and fluffy, but long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa will work. For a lighter option, use cauliflower rice. If you prefer a more filling bowl, add extra rice or grains.
Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Equipment
- large skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- spatula or wooden spoon
- rice cooker or pot for rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or mild hot sauce (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Lower heat to medium. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Stir and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm rice in bowls and top with the beef mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl — Quick Family Dinner is a dependable, colorful, and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. With simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and quick cooking time, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding your family, or craving a homemade alternative to takeout, this rice bowl delivers every time.
