Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This quick and easy ground beef and veggie stir fry is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Vanessa Doyle

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2025-12-24T15:45:41.816Z

This ground beef and veggie stir fry is a family favorite that brings together the savory taste of beef with a medley of colorful vegetables. It's not just delicious but also a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies into your meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Packed with protein and colorful veggies for a nutritious meal
  • Versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients

Quick Preparation for Busy Lives

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This ground beef and veggie stir fry is designed for those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love.

The key to this recipe's quick preparation lies in using pre-chopped mixed vegetables. They save time and add vibrant color to your dish. Additionally, ground beef cooks quickly and efficiently, allowing you to have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for families looking to balance health and convenience.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this stir fry quick to make, but it is also packed with nutrients. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, you’re getting a rich array of vitamins and minerals. This combination not only supports your overall health but also keeps you full and satisfied.

Incorporating a variety of vegetables into your meals is crucial for a balanced diet. Each vegetable brings its unique set of nutrients, and together they create a powerhouse of health benefits. With this stir fry, you’ll enjoy a delicious way to boost your intake of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Customization Options

One of the standout features of this stir fry is its versatility. Feel free to make it your own by swapping out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's favorites. Snow peas, zucchini, or even asparagus can easily be added to the mix.

Additionally, if you want to spice things up, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. For a twist, you can also mix in some nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a meal that suits your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute the mixed vegetables with your favorites!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Finish with Soy Sauce

Pour the soy sauce over the stir fry, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy ground beef and veggie stir fry!

Cooking Tips

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your stir fry, ensure your skillet or wok is preheated before adding the oil. This helps the beef to sear properly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, so keep your ingredients moving to avoid burning.

Another great tip is to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that you won’t overcook your vegetables while waiting for the beef to brown.

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and veggie stir fry is delicious on its own, but serving it over rice or noodles elevates the meal to new heights. Choose jasmine rice for a fragrant option or whole grain rice for added fiber. If you prefer noodles, soba or rice noodles are great choices that complement the dish well.

For an extra touch, garnish your stir fry with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. These finishing touches not only enhance the presentation but also add layers of flavor that will impress your family or guests.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this stir fry stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, and enjoy a second helping of this flavorful dish.

For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for those busy weeks.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a substitute.

→ What vegetables can I use?

You can use any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and veggies in advance and stir-fry when ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

This quick and easy ground beef and veggie stir fry is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Vanessa Doyle

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  5. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  6. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 03

Pour the soy sauce over the stir fry, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 04

Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 35g