When you need something hearty, flavorful, and lightning-fast on a weeknight, nothing hits the spot quite like Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls. This one-pan wonder brings tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and garlicky soy sauce together over a fluffy bed of rice, making dinner both satisfying and simple. It’s comfort food with a takeout-style twist — and you won’t believe how fast it disappears.

There’s something deeply comforting about the contrast of sizzling beef and sweet peppers alongside warm rice. This dish carries a slight kick of spice, balanced perfectly with a savory-sweet glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these rice bowls make for a wholesome, customizable favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

This is one of those recipes that checks all the right boxes: quick to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile. The beef cooks in minutes, and you can easily switch up the veggies depending on what you have in your fridge. It’s also perfect for making ahead — just store the cooked beef and peppers separately from the rice to keep everything fresh.

The flavors here feel like a cross between a stir-fry and a teriyaki bowl, so if you’re craving a takeout night but want to cook at home, this is the answer. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

Flank steak or sirloin are both fantastic options because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly across the grain. If you’re in a pinch, even ground beef works great here — just brown it first and then toss in your peppers and sauce.

Ingredients for the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

To bring out all the flavor in this dish, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each plays a role in building that classic savory-sweet balance that makes rice bowls irresistible.

Flank steak
Bell peppers
Onion
Garlic
Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Ground black pepper
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Sesame oil
Olive oil

These ingredients combine to create a glossy, savory glaze that coats the beef and peppers while pairing perfectly with fluffy rice.

How To Make the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Core and slice your bell peppers, and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, black pepper, and a splash of sesame oil. This will be the savory glaze that ties the dish together.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Saute the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until slightly softened but still vibrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Scoop hot cooked rice into bowls, top with the beef and pepper mixture, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like.

Serving and Storing Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

This recipe makes enough to feed about 4 people generously, especially if you serve it with a big scoop of rice. For leftovers, store the beef and vegetables separately from the rice if you can. This helps prevent the rice from getting soggy.

When storing, place everything in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot.

What to Serve With Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls?

Steamed Broccoli

A light, crisp side that balances out the richness of the beef.

Asian Cucumber Salad

A cool, tangy crunch makes the perfect fresh contrast.

Egg Rolls

Bake or fry up some egg rolls for a tasty appetizer.

Miso Soup

This comforting soup adds a warm and savory touch.

Kimchi

If you like spice and tang, kimchi adds a zesty punch.

Roasted Edamame

A protein-packed snack that adds a bit of crunch.

Pickled Carrots and Radishes

These quick pickles bring acidity and balance.

Garlic Green Beans

Tossed in soy sauce and garlic, they’re a fast side that always impresses.

Want More Rice Bowl Ideas?

If this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl hit the spot, don’t miss out on more easy, protein-packed meals from Mia Recipes:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a comforting pasta twist.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving hearty and creamy.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold flavor in a bowl.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to cozy up your weeknight.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you want comfort with a smoky spin.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for flank steak or ground beef? Maybe added mushrooms or some heat?

I love seeing your creations and tweaks — don’t be shy to share your version.

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