Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe
This Easy Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry features juicy, flavorful ground beef cooked with garlic and chili flakes, paired with vibrant sautéed vegetables and served over fluffy steamed rice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing together a perfect balance of spice, umami, and wholesome vegetables for a comforting and nutritious dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 0.5 lb Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil (for drizzling at the end)
- 1 tsp Brown sugar (can substitute with honey)
For the Veggies
- 1 cup Broccoli florets (blanch for 1 minute if preferred)
- 0.5 whole Red bell pepper, sliced
- 0.5 whole Zucchini, sliced
- 0.5 cup Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (can substitute with other oils)
- 1 tsp Soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
For the Base
- 1 cup Steamed white rice (rinse before cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Begin by rinsing and cooking the white rice according to your preferred method, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, until tender and fluffy.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown evenly, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Infuse the spice: Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes to the empty side and sauté briefly until fragrant, allowing the spices to flavor the oil.
- Deglaze: Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 1 minute, letting the sauce reduce slightly and coat the beef.
- Remove the beef: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a plate to rest while you prepare the vegetables.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finish strong: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Drizzle with sesame oil and add the light soy sauce. Toss everything together to combine the flavors, then serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
- Blanching broccoli before sautéing helps keep its bright color and crisp texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on preference or seasonality (e.g., snap peas, carrots).
- Serve with steamed white rice or substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
