Ground Beef And Bell Pepper Rice Bowl

Name: Ground Beef And Bell Pepper Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 bell peppers (any color), diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked rice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Homemade Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making a Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl when I want something hearty yet quick. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of protein and colorful veggies. The sweet bell peppers complement the savory ground beef, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors. It allows us to enjoy a wholesome meal that brings comfort and nourishment to our table without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want seconds after just one bite!

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-16T05:45:36.686Z

One evening, I found myself with some leftover rice and a craving for something savory. That's when I decided to whip up this Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl. Using fresh ingredients like vibrant bell peppers and lean ground beef not only brought fantastic flavors but also made it a colorful dish that even my kids enjoyed!

While cooking, I learned that browning the beef first and then adding the bell peppers at the right time keeps their crunch and enhances the overall texture. This method ensures the dish remains vibrant and satisfying, making each bite a delightful experience.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Richness of flavors from seasoned ground beef
Sweet and crunchy bell peppers add freshness
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights

Preparation Tips for Success

To ensure your Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl turns out perfectly every time, start by using a skillet that evenly distributes heat. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent option as it retains heat well, allowing the beef to brown nicely. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning, stirring occasionally until the meat is a deep golden brown. This enhances the flavor through caramelization, creating a rich base for your dish.

Another key to this recipe is how you dice your vegetables. Aim for uniform pieces, about ½-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. Cut the bell peppers and onions similarly so they tenderize at the same rate, enhancing the overall texture. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add the bell peppers after the beef has cooked for a shorter time. This will keep them slightly crunchy, adding a fresh contrast to the savory beef.

Ingredient Insights

The ground beef is the star of this dish, providing essential protein and a hearty flavor. Consider using a blend of beef with 80% leanness, as the fat content adds moisture and richness to the dish. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute, cooking similarly. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require a splash of broth or extra oil to keep the mixture moist.

Bell peppers are not just vibrant but also packed with vitamins A and C. Any color of bell pepper will work, but red and yellow peppers are notably sweeter, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. If you seek a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or poblano peppers. Always taste as you go to adjust the seasoning as desired, especially if you adapt the peppers.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth process.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers (any color), diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready to speed up your cooking time.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious result!

Cook the ground beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine with rice

Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve

Plate the rice bowl and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your meal!

Serve this dish warm and enjoy a delightful family meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or spices according to your taste. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option.

Storing and Reheating

This Rice Bowl is a fantastic make-ahead meal! If you wish to prepare it in advance, cook the beef and veggies and store them separately from the rice. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through and add freshly cooked rice. This method helps maintain the texture of the rice, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Freezing this dish is also an option. To do so, allow the beef and veggies to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags. The rice can also be frozen separately. When reheating from frozen, be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl is versatile enough for various toppings. Try adding avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra creaminess. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors, making every bite more exciting. For a touch of heat, drizzle with sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

For a vegetarian variation, swap the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed alternative. To enhance the flavors, add some cumin or smoked paprika for an exciting twist. You could also throw in other vegetables like zucchini or corn to customize the dish according to your preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, using ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option with similar flavor.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the beef while cooking for some heat!

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This rice bowl is excellent on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and peppers in advance and then simply heat and serve when ready.