Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and delicious stir fry packed with ground beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only quick to make, but it's also loaded with nutrients and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the rich taste of beef with fresh vegetables.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Packed with colorful veggies for added nutrition
- Flavorful sauce that complements the beef perfectly
A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
When you're short on time but still want a nutritious meal, this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is the perfect solution. With its vibrant array of vegetables and savory beef, it not only satisfies your hunger but also delivers essential vitamins and minerals. The quick cooking method ensures you can whip it up in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Stir fry recipes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match your favorite ingredients. This recipe serves as a fantastic base, but feel free to get creative! Whether you prefer snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms, you can easily customize the mix to suit your tastes or to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is not only quick to prepare but also an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week, ensuring you always have a healthy meal ready to go. Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to four days.
Reheating is a breeze, whether you choose the microwave or a quick stir in the skillet. Pair it with fresh rice or noodles, and you'll have a satisfying meal that tastes just as good on day four as it did on day one.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout features of this stir fry is its nutritional profile. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Coupled with a colorful array of vegetables, you're not just filling your stomach; you're nourishing your body. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while broccoli offers fiber and various antioxidants, making this dish a well-rounded choice for any dinner table.
Moreover, using fresh ingredients and minimizing cooking time helps preserve the nutrients in the vegetables, ensuring you get the most out of your meal. This recipe truly embodies the idea that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready for a smooth cooking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your stir fry:
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season the Stir Fry
Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice and enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your flavorful stir fry!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your stir fry, make sure to cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. This allows it to brown properly, enhancing its flavor. Also, be sure to chop your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to your sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a larger batch, it’s better to cook in two separate rounds rather than trying to fit everything in at once. This helps maintain the stir-fry's characteristic 'wok hei' or the flavorful char that comes from high-heat cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. While serving it over rice is classic, you can also try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For an extra touch, garnish your dish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions right before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.
If you're looking to elevate your meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad or some steamed dumplings. These additions can round out the meal, making it more filling and satisfying.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How can I make this stir fry spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking the beef.
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save prep time.
→ What can I serve with this stir fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and delicious stir fry packed with ground beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g