Savory Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Featured in Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less.

Thinly slice beef, prep sauce. Brown beef in a pan and set it aside. Cook peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger. Add beef back to pan with sauce. Let flavors blend for a few minutes. Serve hot on rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
Sarah
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:30:50 GMT
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Savory Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl | chefmiarecipes.com

A classic beef and pepper stir-fry served over steaming rice creates the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender strips of beef and crisp bell peppers combine with a savory sauce for a satisfying meal that delivers both flavor and comfort in every bite.

This recipe became a household staple during busy times when we needed fast, nutritious dinners. What started as a clever way to use leftover rice turned into our go-to weekly meal. The colorful peppers and tender beef consistently receive enthusiastic approval from the whole family.

Key Ingredients

  • Beef Selection: Use 85-90% lean ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin cut against the grain for tenderness
  • Bell Peppers: Choose firm, bright peppers in red, yellow and green for color variety and flavor
  • Aromatics: Fresh minced garlic and ginger create an authentic flavor base
  • Rice: Jasmine rice adds fragrant flavor, while brown rice offers a nutritious alternative
  • Soy Sauce: Select naturally brewed soy sauce for deep umami notes

Preparation Method

Rice Preparation:
Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions and let rest covered for 10 minutes before fluffing.
Beef Technique:
Heat pan until very hot before adding oil. Brown meat in a single layer until caramelized.
Pepper Cooking:
Sauté aromatics briefly, then cook peppers until crisp-tender to maintain texture.
Sauce:
Return beef to pan with vegetables. Add soy sauce and reduce slightly before thickening.
Assembly:
Layer hot rice first, top with beef and pepper mixture, then add fresh garnishes.
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Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Traditional cooking wisdom teaches that quality ingredients need proper technique. This means thoroughly drying the beef before browning and giving each component the right amount of cooking time. When done correctly, the ingredients work together perfectly.

Serving Ideas

Top with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve alongside quick pickled vegetables. Offer chili sauce on the side for added heat options.

Recipe Variations

  • Use chicken thighs instead of beef
  • Add bok choy or snow peas
  • Include scrambled eggs
  • Make it spicy with chili paste

Storage Guidelines

Keep rice and beef mixture separate when storing. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain proper texture and moisture.

This rice bowl brings together simple ingredients with proper technique for a satisfying meal. The balanced combination of textures and flavors creates a dish that's both practical and delicious.

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Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dish in advance?
Absolutely! Keep the beef and veggie mixture in the fridge up to 3–4 days. For best freshness, store separately from the rice and reheat as needed.
→ What can replace oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or fish sauce makes a great alternative. If you're vegetarian, use mushroom-based oyster sauce or slightly increase the soy and hoisin sauce in the mix.
→ Does this freeze well?
Yes, the beef and pepper portion freezes beautifully for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it thoroughly. For the rice, cook fresh when ready to eat.
→ Which type of rice goes best with it?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice tastes classic, while brown rice adds a wholesome touch. For fewer carbs, swap in cauliflower rice.
→ How can I turn up the heat in this recipe?
You can mix in extra chili flakes, toss in a diced fresh chili, or stir in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.

Simple Beef Rice Dish

Tender beef strips and sweet bell peppers coated in a savory sauce served atop steamed rice—a one-pan wonder ready in under half an hour.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Weeknight Elegance

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-style

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the rice

01 2 cups (400 g) of cooked rice—brown or white, your choice

→ For the beef and peppers

02 1 lb (450 g) of beef—flank steak, sirloin, or ground work great
03 2 bell peppers (any colors you like), thinly sliced
04 A small onion, sliced thin
05 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
06 1 tablespoon minced ginger (optional)
07 2 tablespoons of any vegetable oil

→ For the sauce

08 A quarter cup (60 ml) of soy sauce (use low sodium if you want)
09 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
10 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
11 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
12 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey
13 Half a cup (120 ml) of chicken or beef broth
14 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick (optional)

→ For garnish

15 Sliced green onions (scallions)
16 A sprinkle of sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Slice up steak thinly against the grain if you’re using it. Skipping this step for ground beef is totally fine.

Step 02

Get a small bowl and mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, red pepper (if you want heat), and broth until smooth. Put it to the side.

Step 03

Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large pan or wok and heat over medium-high. Toss in the beef, and cook until browned—around 3 to 4 minutes for steak slices, and about 5 to 6 minutes if it’s ground beef. Take it out and set it aside.

Step 04

Using the same pan, drizzle in the rest of the oil. Throw in the garlic, onion, ginger (if using), and sliced peppers. Stir around for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Step 05

Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour the sauce in. Stir everything together until it’s fully coated. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens up slightly.

Step 06

Scoop some rice into serving bowls, then pile on the beef and veggie mix. Sprinkle the green onions and sesame seeds on top as a finishing touch.

Notes

  1. Want to switch things up? You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
  2. Throw in some mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for more flavor and nutrition.
  3. If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then add it as the sauce simmers.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet or wok
  • A small bowl for mixing sauce
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • A sharp knife and a cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe includes soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce).
  • Has wheat/gluten because of the soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces.
  • Contains sesame due to sesame oil and seeds.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g