The Beef Pepper Rice Bowl is a hearty, flavorful meal that I turn to when I want something satisfying, colorful, and packed with rich umami flavor. Combining ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic jasmine rice in a savory black pepper sauce, this dish is as comforting as it is easy to prepare. Whether I’m cooking for the family or making a quick weeknight dinner for myself, it always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how flexible and foolproof this rice bowl is. Here’s why I think it stands out:

1. Bold and Savory Flavors – The soy sauce, Worcestershire, and black pepper give it that irresistible depth I crave in comfort food.

2. Quick and Simple Prep – I can have everything on the table in under an hour, and cleanup is minimal.

3. Colorful and Nutritious – Bell peppers add not only color but also crunch and vitamins.

4. Customizable – I switch proteins, add veggies, or adjust the spice level depending on what I have in the fridge.

5. Meal Prep Friendly – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or lunch the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

– Ground beef
– Olive oil
– Onion, diced
– Bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Garlic, minced
– Jasmine rice
– Beef broth
– Soy sauce
– Worcestershire sauce
– Ground black pepper
– Paprika
– Salt
– Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Rice
   I combine jasmine rice and beef broth in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes covered. After letting it rest for 5 minutes off heat, I fluff it and set it aside.

2. Brown the Beef
   In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté diced onions for a few minutes until translucent. I add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s browned—about 5–7 minutes. Then I drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the Veggies
   I add sliced bell peppers and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for another 5 minutes until the peppers are just tender.

4. Combine Everything
   I stir in the cooked rice, then add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, paprika, and salt. I let everything heat through, stirring gently to blend the flavors—about 2–3 more minutes.

5. Serve and Garnish
   I spoon the beef and rice mixture into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of green onions for freshness and color.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Calories per serving: Approx. 480 kcal

Variations

– Alternate Proteins: I like swapping in ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even diced steak depending on what I have.
– Vegetarian Version: I use black beans, chickpeas, or lentils instead of meat and bulk it up with mushrooms or zucchini.
– Spicy Upgrade: Sometimes I add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
– Seafood Twist: Shrimp works really well with the peppery sauce for a lighter but equally tasty version.
– Fried Egg Topper: A sunny-side-up egg on top adds richness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Storage/Reheating

– Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– Freezing: It freezes well too. I portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: I reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use white or brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, I sometimes use long-grain white rice or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that the Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.

How do I make this dish spicier?

I add red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or even a drizzle of sriracha to bring more heat.

What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?

Zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or even spinach work really well. I just toss them in during the sauté step.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, I often make it ahead for lunches. I just store it in individual containers and reheat when ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Beef Pepper Rice Bowl is my go-to for a fast, filling, and flavorful meal that everyone at the table enjoys. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and colorful veggies over fluffy rice, it’s got everything I want in a comforting dinner. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always hits the spot. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become part of your weekly rotation just like it did for me.