This hearty and flavorful dish brings together tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce, all served over fluffy white rice. Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, comforting, and completely satisfying. The combination of juicy meat and crunchy peppers creates a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more.


Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, this easy recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a no-fuss dinner that tastes amazing, these rice bowls have got you covered. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic evenings.
- Versatile: Use your favorite kind of bell peppers or swap in ground turkey or chicken.
- Budget-friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients that go a long way.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats well for lunch the next day.
- Flavor-packed: Savory, slightly sweet, and a hint of spice if you like it!
What Kind of Rice Should I Use?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice works best for this dish, providing a fluffy and lightly sticky texture that holds the beef mixture beautifully. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be excellent substitutes. The goal is to have a base that soaks up the sauce without becoming soggy.
Ingredients for the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
To bring this flavorful bowl to life, you only need a few kitchen staples and some fresh ingredients:
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, offering rich flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- Bell peppers (red and green): These bring sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the bowl.
- Onion: Enhances the savory depth and gives a classic aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Soy sauce: For umami depth and a salty balance to the sweetness of the peppers.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the beef a rich, slightly tangy background flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to cling nicely to the rice and beef.
- Cooked rice: Acts as the perfect base, absorbing all the delicious juices and flavors.
How To Make the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Peppers
Toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over bowls of warm, cooked rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
This recipe makes enough to serve 4 generous portions, perfect for a family dinner or for prepping a few meals in advance. Serve it hot straight from the skillet over your favorite rice.
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beef and pepper mixture (without the rice) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls?
Steamed Broccoli
A classic pairing that adds more green to your plate and complements the savory beef perfectly.
Asian Cucumber Salad
Crisp, refreshing, and lightly tangy—this side dish adds a cooling contrast.
Egg Rolls
Whether homemade or store-bought, crispy egg rolls are a tasty and fun addition to this meal.
Miso Soup
For a comforting, well-rounded dinner, serve this rice bowl alongside a warm cup of miso soup.
Kimchi
If you like a little heat and fermentation kick, kimchi brings an exciting element to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works beautifully with the same seasoning and peppers.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when cooking the beef. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
3. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, frozen peppers work well in a pinch. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture to avoid a soggy mixture.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and double-check your Worcestershire sauce brand.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. This dish is great for meal prep. Store the cooked beef mixture separately from the rice and combine when reheating.
For more quick and easy dinner ideas, check out our Easy Dinner Recipes collection!
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to upgrade your dinner routine with these flavor-packed Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls! Perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep, this easy recipe features tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce served over fluffy white rice. It’s hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for anyone craving quick dinner ideas, delicious food ideas, or easy recipes to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch, a healthy snack alternative, or a new favorite in your easy dinner rotation, this one-bowl wonder delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
3 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then pour the slurry into the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over bowls of warm cooked rice. Garnish if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your Worcestershire brand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, beef rice bowl, food ideas, healthy snack, dinner ideas, meal prep
