Searching for a cuisine that is quick, tasty, filling, and hits all the right notes? The ideal combination of flavourful ground beef, crispy-tender bell peppers, and fluffy rice, all seasoned with a robust, umami-bursting sauce, is found in our Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl. It’s a family favourite that always turns out well, a great alternative for meal prep, and a go-to midweek dinner. This dish employs basic ingredients, is quick to prepare, and has restaurant-quality flavour in every bite.
You will need one cup of raw white rice to begin. Follow the directions on the package to ensure it is light and fluffy when cooked, whether you use a rice cooker, hob or microwave. While you make the rest of the dish, set it aside.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add one medium sliced yellow onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. After that, add two minced garlic cloves and simmer for an additional 30 seconds to allow the aroma to develop.
Next, fill the skillet with one pound (450g) of ground beef. Using a spatula, break it up, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. To keep the dish balanced and not greasy, feel free to drain off any extra fat that may have accumulated in the pan.
Make your sauce as the beef cooks. Quarter cup soy sauce, two tablespoons hoisin sauce, one tablespoon brown sugar, one tablespoon sesame oil, half a teaspoon powdered black pepper, and, if you want a little spiciness, a quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes should all be whisked together in a small dish. Cover the browned beef with this flavourful mixture. After giving it a good stir to ensure even coating, simmer for two to three minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and adhered to the meat.
It’s time to add some crunch and colour to the dish. Sliced red and green bell peppers should be added to the skillet. For around four to five minutes, stir-fry everything together. In order to preserve their fresh taste and provide a wonderful contrast with the rich beef, the peppers should be cooked just enough to become tender-crisp.
Now that everything is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to put everything together. Place a fair amount of the meat and pepper mixture on top of a dish of fluffy rice that has been scooped out. Add sliced green onions and a teaspoon of sesame seeds as garnish. A drizzle of sriracha or chilli oil elevates this dish to a whole new level if you want a little heat.
For busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or serving a hungry crowd, this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the ideal all-in-one, filling dinner. It’s the type of food you’ll want to keep on hand because it’s easy to prepare, incredibly customisable, and flavourful.
