Ground Beef And Bell Pepper Rice Bowl
Highlighted under: Home-Style Comfort Dishes
I love whipping up this Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl on busy weeknights. It’s a dish packed with flavor and very little fuss, making it perfect for those times when I just want something comforting yet quick. The combination of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice not only satisfies my hunger but also offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. Every bite is a wonderful blend of spices that brings this simple dish to life, and it’s easily customizable based on what I have on hand.
When I first created this Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl, I was amazed at how easily it came together. I sautéed the ground beef with onions and spices, letting the aroma fill my kitchen with a delightful, mouth-watering scent. Then, I added vibrant bell peppers for an extra crunch and color, which not only made the dish visually appealing but also enhanced its flavor profile significantly.
One of my favorite tips is to use leftover rice if I have any, as it saves a lot of cooking time and makes this dish even quicker to prepare. The key is to ensure everything is well-combined and seasoned perfectly so that each bite is bursting with flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to make this bowl again and again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory and satisfying flavors that blend beautifully
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights
- Customizable with any leftover vegetables you have
Ingredient Insights
The choice of ground beef in this recipe is crucial for achieving a rich and hearty flavor. A higher fat content, like 80/20, will provide the necessary moisture and flavor, while leaner options may result in a drier dish. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but consider adding a bit of olive oil to maintain the moisture.
Using jasmine rice not only complements the dish with its fragrant aroma but also absorbs the flavors from the beef broth. If jasmine is unavailable, long-grain rice or even brown rice can be substituted, but adjust the cooking times—brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook fully.
Cooking Techniques
When sautéing the onion, aim for a golden color, as this enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the dish. It should take about 5 minutes on medium heat. Be careful not to rush this step; burning the onions can impart a bitter taste and negatively affect the overall flavor profile.
Incorporating the bell peppers later in the cooking process allows them to retain a slight crunch, balancing the textures of the dish. Sautéing them for just 5 minutes ensures they are tender yet vibrant, adding not only color but also a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create a satisfying meal!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl:
Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice and beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lastly, add the diced bell peppers and soy sauce, mixing everything together and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it among bowls. Top with the beef and bell pepper mixture, garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Enjoy this delicious and hearty meal that's sure to please!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices—zucchini and mushrooms work great, too! Also, for a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl is a great candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture if needed.
The rice can also be cooked ahead of time. Store it in a separate container in the fridge, and it will keep well for about 4-5 days. When ready to serve, microwave for a minute or two with a few drops of water to keep it fluffy.
Variations to Try
Feel free to play with the veggies in this recipe. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn to the sauté for added nutrition and color. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, especially with denser vegetables like carrots, which might take a few extra minutes to soften.
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try replacing the soy sauce with a dash of teriyaki sauce or even coconut aminos for a sweeter twist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as a healthier alternative.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply use more vegetables.
→ How long does this dish last in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Ground Beef And Bell Pepper Rice Bowl
I love whipping up this Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl on busy weeknights. It’s a dish packed with flavor and very little fuss, making it perfect for those times when I just want something comforting yet quick. The combination of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice not only satisfies my hunger but also offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. Every bite is a wonderful blend of spices that brings this simple dish to life, and it’s easily customizable based on what I have on hand.
Created by: Evelyn Parker
Recipe Type: Home-Style Comfort Dishes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice and beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lastly, add the diced bell peppers and soy sauce, mixing everything together and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it among bowls. Top with the beef and bell pepper mixture, garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices—zucchini and mushrooms work great, too! Also, for a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g