Busy evenings need a go-to meal that fills plates and soothes the rush. This Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl cooks up fast, uses one skillet for most of the work, and keeps picky eaters happy. If you like simple weeknight meals, you might also enjoy these sweet and savory recipes for more family-friendly ideas.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Beef Rice Bowl Recipe
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes when the rice is cooking, so you get dinner on the table fast. Ground beef gives you hearty protein that kids and adults usually love. The bell pepper and spinach add color and vitamins without much fuss.
You only need one skillet for the main cooking, and the recipe uses pantry staples most families already have. It tastes comforting and familiar, while the option to add soy sauce gives you a quick flavor boost when you want it.
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, 1 cup brown rice, 1 bell pepper, diced, 1 onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups spinach, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce (optional)
Directions
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and spinach, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce if desired.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice, and enjoy!
Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
A quick and hearty one-skillet meal featuring ground beef, bell peppers, and spinach served over brown rice.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and spinach, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce if desired.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice, and enjoy!
Notes
Top with shredded cheese, lime, or green onions. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
How to Serve
Spoon the beef and veggies over a warm bowl of brown rice. Let kids add soy sauce at the table if they like more flavor.
Top bowls with simple extras like shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of green onions. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad for more veggies.
If you want a low-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded lettuce for an easy bowl-style salad.
How to Store
Let the leftovers cool to room temperature before storing. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, microwave a single serving for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.
Tips and Variations
- Use lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey or chicken to cut calories.
- Add a splash of teriyaki or hoisin for sweeter notes that kids often prefer.
- If you need more veggies, toss in sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or shredded carrots while the peppers cook.
- For higher fiber, use a mix of brown and wild rice or try farro instead of rice.
- Make it a meal prep winner by cooking a double batch of rice and beef for midweek lunches.
FAQs
Q: Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
A: Yes. White rice cooks faster and works fine. Adjust cooking time per the package.
Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Stir in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a chopped jalapeño when you add the onions.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based crumble or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl gives you a real weeknight win: quick, flexible, and tasty for the whole family. Try it tonight, tweak the mix-ins to your kids’ tastes, and save the recipe for busy days ahead.
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