Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner idea? This Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is your perfect answer! Packed with colorful bell peppers, tender lean beef, and fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying one-bowl meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a weeknight dinner that’s light yet filling, this dish checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the ultimate combo of taste and ease! It’s savory, colorful, and made with whole-food ingredients you probably already have. The lean beef adds protein, while the bell peppers bring crunch, sweetness, and a vitamin boost. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Plus, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your diet—low-carb, dairy-free, or even vegetarian. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this bowl is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this healthy rice bowl. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, dinner will be on the table in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or thinly sliced beef steak)
- 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With just one pan and a few simple steps, you’ll have a wholesome, colorful meal ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make your Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the rice: If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prep the veggies: Wash and slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sliced beef) and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until just tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan, then add soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Assemble the bowls: Spoon rice into bowls, top with the beef and pepper mixture, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Servings and Timing
This Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is perfect for both single servings and family meals. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many mouths you’re feeding.
Servings:
- This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Prep & Cook Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
It’s a quick, satisfying meal you can rely on for busy weeknights or weekly meal prep!
Tips and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few easy ways to customize it and keep it exciting every time you make it!
Tips:
- Slice evenly: Cutting the peppers and onions into even strips helps them cook at the same rate.
- High heat = great texture: Sauté veggies quickly on medium-high heat for that perfect tender-crisp bite.
- Pre-cooked rice hack: Use microwaveable rice packs to save time—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Variations:
- Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some heat.
- Different protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Sauce boost: Stir in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor depth.
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores wonderfully and is perfect for lunch the next day or meal prep throughout the week.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the beef and pepper mixture (without rice) for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve with fresh rice for best texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store in portioned containers and reheat when ready to eat.
2. What type of beef works best?
Lean ground beef is quick and easy, but thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works great too for a more “stir-fry” style.
3. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
5. How can I add more veggies?
Toss in broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas—this bowl loves variety!
6. What’s a good rice alternative?
Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even brown rice noodles for a fun twist.
7. Can kids eat this?
Definitely! It’s mild, colorful, and easy to modify. Skip spicy toppings for younger palates.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new go-to Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl! 🌟 It’s colorful, nourishing, and totally fuss-free. Whether you’re eating clean, feeding your family, or just craving a cozy bowl of something good, this recipe delivers every time.
Print
Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
A colorful, quick, and nutritious dinner made with lean beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy rice—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or thinly sliced beef steak)
- 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
- Wash and slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sliced beef) and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until just tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan, then add soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with the beef and pepper mixture, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Notes
Use pre-cooked rice to save time. Feel free to swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or try ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: healthy beef rice bowl, quick dinner, meal prep, bell pepper stir-fry
