Step 1: Get the veggies started

Start by melting the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s all nice and melted, toss in your diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and jalapeño. Let them cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften but still keep some of their bite. If you notice the peppers browning too fast, just lower the heat a bit.

Step 2: Add the ground beef

Once your veggies are softened and smelling amazing, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is browned all over and cooked through. If you used a fattier cut of beef, you might have some excess grease in the pan—just carefully drain it off before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Season it up

Now comes the flavor punch. Pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another couple of minutes so the beef can really soak up all those flavors. At this point, you’ll want to taste and adjust the seasoning. Need more salt or pepper? Go for it. Too salty? A splash of water or broth can help balance things out.

Step 4: Serve with rice

All that’s left to do is spoon the beef and pepper mixture over some hot, fluffy rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.