Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with color, flavor, and pure comfort, this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl delivers big time! Imagine tender ground beef sautéed with sweet bell peppers, a tangle of onions, and a heavenly, glossy Asian-inspired sauce all piled generously over steaming rice. It’s the sort of dinner you crave on a busy weeknight, but it looks and tastes like a treat worthy of sharing. This satisfying Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep on repeat, whether you’re cooking just for yourself or the whole crew.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something remarkable. Each addition brings its own magic: color from the peppers, rich savoriness from the beef, aromatic punch from the sauces. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each component):
- Vegetable oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, ensuring everything cooks up perfectly tender and juicy.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the bowl, adding protein and rich, savory flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to your stir-fry.
- Green bell pepper: Offers a mildly bitter contrast and lovely crunch.
- Yellow onion: Adds aromatic sweetness when sautéed and brings the whole dish together.
- Garlic: Just two cloves deliver a warm, garlicky backbone to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty, umami punch every stir-fry needs.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze, making the dish irresistibly glossy and flavorful.
- Oyster sauce: Deepens the savory notes and brings that restaurant-level magic.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash for nutty aroma and complexity at the finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat if you like a gentle kick!
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust seasoning to dial in the perfect taste for your palate.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The fluffy, satisfying canvas for all those saucy, savory toppings.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For garnish, adding freshness and a bit of crunch at the table.
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat up your largest skillet or trusty wok over medium-high heat and swirl in the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it sizzle until it’s beautifully browned and starting to crisp around the edges, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s a bit of extra fat in the pan, don’t be shy about draining it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onion
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion right into the pan. Give everything a toss and let the veggies sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to turn tender-crisp—soft enough to bite through easily, but bright and a little crunchy to keep things lively.
Step 3: Stir in the Garlic
Sprinkle in the garlic and let it mingle with the beef and veggies for about a minute. The garlic will become fragrant and add that signature warmth and depth to the whole skillet.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this rich mixture all over the beef and vegetable medley, stirring to coat everything in that glossy, savory sauce. Cook for another minute or two until everything is piping hot and deeply flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon your warm, fluffy rice into bowls, then top generously with the saucy beef and pepper stir-fry. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds—if you have them—for a touch of freshness and crunch. Your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is ready!
How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Garnishes
For that finishing flair, scatter over some sliced green onions and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. These not only add color and crunch, but also a pop of freshness that brightens every bite. A drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime can also be delightful if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup, or turn your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl into a larger spread with egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or sautéed bok choy. Even a side of edamame makes a satisfying and nutritious companion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to impress, serve the ingredients build-your-own style. Set out bowls of rice, the fragrant beef and pepper mix, and all your favorite toppings—pickled veggies, chili sauces, chopped herbs—so everyone can craft their ideal bowl. You can also serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fresh twist on the classic Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl components keep brilliantly! Simply cool them to room temperature, then store the rice and stir-fry in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate ensures the rice doesn’t go soggy and maintains the lovely texture.
Freezing
The beef and pepper mixture freezes like a dream. Spoon it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag (leaving a little space for expansion), label, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the rice separately or cook fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave the stir-fry and rice separately until hot, or rewarm the beef and pepper mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Assemble into bowls as usual for a meal that’s just as comforting as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu make excellent substitutes. The flavorful sauce will infuse any protein with deliciousness, so feel free to get creative with your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked or leftover rice?
Yes, day-old rice works especially well for this recipe since it’s drier and holds up under the saucy beef. Just fluff it up and warm before serving with your beef and pepper mixture.
How can I make the dish spicier?
For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a squirt of sriracha when serving. You can also toss in a few slices of fresh chili with the peppers for a fiery Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Try adding snap peas, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or baby corn to the stir-fry—anything that cooks quickly and stays crisp-tender works beautifully.
Can I make the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Make a double batch of both the beef and pepper filling and cooked rice, then portion into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store in the fridge and garnish just before eating.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how flavorful and satisfying a Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl can be—especially with minimal effort and maximum reward. It’s a cozy, colorful, and craveable dish you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a houseful. Give it a try and make it your own!
Print
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish that combines savory ground beef with colorful bell peppers and a flavorful sauce, served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground beef: Until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add peppers and onion: Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in garlic: Cook for another minute.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and vegetables.
- Finish and serve: Cook for 1-2 more minutes until heated through. Serve over warm rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Use jasmine or cauliflower rice for variation.
- Add shredded carrots or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg