Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A quick and delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only quick to prepare but also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. The combination of savory beef and fresh veggies makes it a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition
- Versatile - customize with your favorite sauces and veggies
Quick Weeknight Meal
When you're short on time but still want to provide a nutritious meal for your family, this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is the perfect solution. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you're juggling work, kids, and other responsibilities. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that's both satisfying and healthy.
This stir fry not only saves you time, but it also allows you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever is in your fridge. Zucchini, snap peas, or even spinach can be great additions, making this dish even more versatile.
Packed with Flavor
The combination of garlic and ginger adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, elevating it beyond a simple stir fry. The soy sauce provides a savory umami kick, while the sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness that ties everything together. Each bite is a burst of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Additionally, using ground beef ensures that the meat cooks quickly and evenly, which is essential for a fast meal. The beef's rich flavor complements the fresh vegetables beautifully, creating a balanced dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best things about this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you're looking to cut down on carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
Moreover, this dish is a great way to introduce new flavors to your family. Experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki or sweet chili, to give it a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, making it a recipe you'll return to time and again.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a seamless experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Ensure everything is prepped for a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious stir fry!
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Vegetables
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season the Stir Fry
Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Now enjoy your homemade ground beef and veggie stir fry!
Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
To achieve the best results when stir-frying, make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. This helps to sear the beef quickly, locking in its juices and flavor. Additionally, prepare all your ingredients beforehand, as stir-frying happens quickly and you won't have time to chop vegetables while cooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan; if you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches. This ensures that everything gets the right amount of heat and cooks evenly. Finally, keep your stir fry moving in the pan. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure that all ingredients are evenly cooked.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making them even more delicious when reheated. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or try it with noodles for a heartier meal. You can also add a side of steamed edamame or a fresh cucumber salad to round out the meal.
For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha on top before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can also enhance the presentation and flavor, making your dish not only tasty but visually appealing as well.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.
→ How can I make this dish spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for an extra kick!
→ What can I serve this stir fry with?
This stir fry pairs well with rice, noodles, or even quinoa.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry when ready to eat.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
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, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g