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Savory Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Rice Bowl with Spicy Soy Glaze

by

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Intensity: Easy to Moderate
Lasts For: Refrigerates beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The glaze may thicken; add a splash of water when reheating.

A Weeknight Hero, Packed with Flavor

Tired of the same old dinner routine? This Savory Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Rice Bowl with Spicy Soy Glaze is your answer. It’s a vibrant, one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 35 minutes. Tender ground beef and crisp, colorful bell peppers are enveloped in a deeply savory, sweet, and subtly spicy glaze, then served over a fluffy bed of rice. It’s the perfect harmony of hearty, fresh, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Bowls:

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 recommended)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1 ⅓ cups uncooked)

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Spicy Soy Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for more or less heat)

  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

  • ¼ cup water or beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Cook the Aromatics

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Spicy Soy Glaze: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and grated ginger. In a separate tiny bowl, make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the ¼ cup water or broth until smooth. Set both aside.

  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften.

  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if desired.

Step 2: Build the Base

  1. Push the beef mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the center. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly and become fragrant, while keeping a bit of their crunch.

  2. Stir everything in the pan together, combining the beef and peppers.

Step 3: Create the Glaze & Finish

  1. Give the prepared soy glaze mixture a quick re-whisk, then pour it into the skillet. Bring to a simmer.

  2. Stir the cornstarch slurry once more and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken noticeably within 1-2 minutes.

  3. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.

  2. Spoon the savory beef and pepper mixture generously over the rice, ensuring plenty of that sticky, delicious glaze makes it into the bowl.

  3. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

  4. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the incredible layers of flavor.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots with the bell peppers.

  • Protein Swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work wonderfully here. Adjust cooking time as needed.

  • Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the sriracha. For a different kick, a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) is a fantastic addition.

  • Make it a “Fried Rice”: For an even quicker, all-in-one meal, add cold, cooked rice directly to the skillet with the glaze and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition calculated using 93% lean ground beef, white rice, and honey.

  • Calories: ~520

  • Total Fat: 14g

    • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Cholesterol: 75mg

  • Sodium: ~950mg (primarily from soy sauce; use low-sodium to reduce)

  • Total Carbohydrates: 62g

    • Dietary Fiber: 3g

    • Sugars: 16g (includes honey)

  • Protein: 32g

  • Excellent Source of: Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc.

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