introduction
When I think of comfort food, a stir-fry bowl comes to mind, filled with vibrant colors and delicious scents. This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is my go-to dish after a long day. It’s quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor that makes my taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it felt like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and fragrant garlic is not just filling but also comforting. What makes this recipe special is how adaptable it is—you can tweak the spice levels and mix in your favorite veggies. It’s a delightful meal that brings together simplicity and taste in a way that feels so satisfying.
why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s quick to whip up, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The mix of flavors, with the spicy ground beef and crunchy veggies, creates a balanced and delicious meal. Plus, you can customize the spice level and choose vegetables you love or have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge. With one bowl, you get protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a wholesome choice for any day.
how to make Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup steamed white rice
Directions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them. Mince the garlic. Measure out all sauces and seasonings.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce and toss well.
- To serve, place hot steamed rice into bowls. Arrange beef and vegetables neatly on top or side by side.
- Spoon any extra sauce over the bowl for added flavor.
how to serve Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Serve the stir-fry bowl hot, right from the skillet. You can garnish it with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. The combination of the warm rice with the savory beef and fresh veggies makes it a delightful meal that brings comfort. Enjoy it as a family or share it with friends for a cozy dinner.
how to store Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
To store any leftovers, let the stir-fry cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container, and it will stay good for up to 3 months.
tips to make Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and garlic before you start cooking. This will save you time.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more or less chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh veggies not only taste better but also add more nutrients.
- Rice: Using day-old rice works well for stir-fries, helping to keep the dish from getting mushy.
variation
If you want to switch things up, try using chicken or tofu instead of ground beef. You can also add different vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bell pepper colors for added crunch and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice or any grain of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the veggies and beef ahead of time, then stir-fry them when you’re ready to eat.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It stores well and makes for a great lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
- What can I substitute for soy sauce? If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
For the Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1/2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for sautéing vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce for sautéing vegetables
For Serving
- 1 cup steamed white rice
Method
Preparation
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them. Mince the garlic. Measure out all sauces and seasonings.
Cooking the Beef
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Cooking the Vegetables
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce and toss well.
Serving
- To serve, place hot steamed rice into bowls. Arrange beef and vegetables neatly on top or side by side.
- Spoon any extra sauce over the bowl for added flavor.