Flavorful Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Rice – A Quick, Colorful Meal

Introduction

Looking for a delicious and quick meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor? This Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Rice is the answer! It’s a great way to enjoy tender beef, crunchy bell peppers, and fluffy rice all tossed together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that’s ready in no time. The mix of colors and textures makes this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Beef Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger, minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or white rice
• 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Start by cooking the rice. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil.
2. Add the rice, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff with a fork to keep it light and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and set aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the beef until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat, and stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for another minute or so until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers

1. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and stir well. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are just tender but still retain some crunch.
2. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the beef and peppers, and stir to coat. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the pan, stirring to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Spoon the beef stir-fry mixture over the cooked rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or extra pepper slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• If you like some heat, add a splash of sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• For extra vegetables, add snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for more crunch and color.
• You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.

Conclusion

This Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Rice is the ultimate comfort food with a twist! It’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor from tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a delicious savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a filling and nutritious meal. Whether you choose to cook it for yourself or serve it to guests, it’s sure to impress!

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Tried this Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Rice? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! For more quick and delicious recipes, make sure to explore our blog for more tasty dinner ideas that are both easy and flavorful.