Name: Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers (any color combination), thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot starch for paleo/gluten-free); 2 tablespoons water; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice); Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha

Description

A quick and delicious Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl recipe featuring tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce served over brown rice. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (any color combination), thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot starch for paleo/gluten-free)
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package directions.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef: Push vegetables aside, add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
5. Combine and Season: Stir beef with vegetables.
6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate tiny bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth.
8. Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour soy sauce mixture over beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
9. Thicken and Finish: Pour cornstarch slurry into simmering sauce. Stir until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, if using.
10. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
11. Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among four serving bowls.
12. Top and Serve: Spoon beef and pepper mixture over rice.
13. Garnish (Optional): Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha.

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 450-550 (depends on rice and leanness of beef)
Sugar: Approx. 8-10g
Sodium: Approx. 600-800mg (using low-sodium soy sauce)
Fat: Approx. 15-20g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 45-55g
Fiber: Approx. 5-7g
Protein: Approx. 30g