The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and the gentle heat of jalapeño, this dish delivers a delicious combination of savory and spicy flavors. When served over a bed of rice, it becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
The versatility of this recipe makes it a great go-to for busy weeknights. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or serving it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, as it’s all cooked in one pan.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice, veggies, or base to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Peppers:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
For the Seasoning:
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium, optional)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
Optional:
• Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
1. Dice the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño into bite-sized pieces. Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your preferred spice level.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter.
2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pan.
3. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
1. Add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Cook the beef, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon or spatula, until fully browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Drain Excess Grease
1. Once the beef is cooked and the vegetables are tender, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. Return the mixture to the heat.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
1. Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. Serve the beef and pepper mixture hot over cooked rice, if desired.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional black pepper for extra flavor.
Tips
• Customize the Veggies: Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas for variety.
• Control the Spice: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for less heat, or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount for a lighter dish.
• Meal Prep: This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef and pepper mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, satisfying meal that combines bold flavors and simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again!
