This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a delicious and colorful meal! It features tender beef stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick dinner!
If you’re like me, you might win the “who can pile on the toppings” contest when serving this! Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fun touch. Can’t resist that combo! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice adds a wonderful aroma to your dish. If you can’t find jasmine rice, feel free to use basmati rice or even brown rice for a healthier twist, just keep in mind the cooking times will vary.
Ground Beef: I love using an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian choice, you could use chickpeas or lentils instead.
Red Bell Pepper: Red peppers add sweetness and color. You can substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even a combination of bell peppers for extra color.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the dish, but if you prefer a vegetarian option, soy sauce or hoisin sauce can work as a substitute. I always keep the oyster sauce on hand for a richer flavor.
Sesame Oil: This oil provides a nice nutty finish. You can replace it with peanut oil or simply omit it if you want a lighter flavor—but I think the sesame oil really makes the dish special!
How Do I Properly Cook Jasmine Rice?
Cooking jasmine rice might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Rinsing rice is essential as it removes excess starch, preventing it from getting gummy. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, a couple of minutes should do it.
- In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with water, usually a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio works well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking!
- Let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. This step really helps to fluff the rice up.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked jasmine rice to pair with your beef and pepper mix!
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
For the Beef and Veggies:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Once done, take the pot off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for another 10 minutes. This step will make sure your rice is fluffy!
2. Cook the Beef:
While the rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to stir occasionally to cook it evenly!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes until the peppers are a little soft. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to your beef mix!
4. Season It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it), stirring to mix everything together well. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Once the rice is ready, fluff it up with a fork and divide it among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous amount of the beef and pepper mixture you cooked earlier.
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off your delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, drizzle some sesame oil over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds for a lovely garnish. Now it’s ready to serve!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Jasmine Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind it takes longer to cook. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice and simmer for about 40-45 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time and check for doneness, as brown rice can require more water as well.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative. Just ensure it’s seasoned well since these alternatives can be milder in flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed to rejuvenate the rice.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This bowl is versatile, so feel free to add other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just sauté them along with the red bell pepper for a colorful and nutritious meal.
