This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a tasty mix of tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice. It’s quick and satisfying, perfect for any meal!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies! I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Jasmine rice is my favorite for this dish as it has a lovely aroma and fluffy texture. If it’s not available, feel free to use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a lean option, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes that still keep the dish juicy.
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but you can use yellow or orange peppers for a similar effect. Green bell peppers will add a more bitter flavor if that’s what you prefer.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully as a substitute.
Oyster Sauce: If you want to skip it or can’t find it, you can replace it with additional soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a sweet touch. I often skip it and don’t miss it too much.
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice might seem simple, but it can be tricky. Follow these straightforward steps for perfect rice:
- Rinse the rice multiple times under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot, using a 1:2 rice to water ratio.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the steam in!
- Once done, let it sit off the heat for another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
This method guarantees a light and fluffy texture every time you make rice!
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or white rice
- 2 cups water
For The Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25 minutes to prepare this dish. This includes about 10 minutes for cooking the rice and about 15 minutes to cook the beef and veggies. A quick and tasty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the washed rice and water, then bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed. When it’s done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and wait until it’s hot. Toss in the diced red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and everything smells good.
3. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
4. Add Flavor:
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help all those wonderful flavors come together!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon the beef mixture over a bed of rice in bowls. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and the green parts of the green onions on top. Dig in and enjoy your delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Cook brown rice in 2 1/2 cups of water and simmer for about 40-45 minutes until tender. Be sure to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute! You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that you cook it thoroughly according to package instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the rice and beef from drying out, you can add a splash of water when reheating and cover it while warming up in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bowl with additional veggies such as carrots, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them to the skillet when you sauté the bell peppers for even cooking.
