Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and delicious dish that combines ground beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is a family favorite. It's not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables makes it a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition
- Full of flavor with minimal ingredients
A Wholesome Meal in Minutes
When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. That's where this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry comes in. With a cooking time of just about 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights when everyone is hungry but time is short. You can easily whip it up and sit down together as a family without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
The combination of ground beef and vibrant vegetables not only makes for a visually appealing dish but also ensures you're getting a well-rounded meal. Ground beef provides essential protein, while the colorful vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this stir fry both satisfying and beneficial for your health.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this stir fry is its versatility. You can easily swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots work beautifully together, but feel free to add snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and texture. This recipe encourages creativity, allowing you to make it your own.
Additionally, you can adjust the flavor profile by experimenting with different sauces or seasonings. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha. For a more savory taste, try incorporating oyster sauce or hoisin. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a staple in your kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is also an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and store the leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you'll have a delicious meal ready to go without any additional cooking.
To ensure the best quality during storage, consider keeping the cooked rice or noodles separate until you're ready to eat. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and help maintain the overall texture of the dish. With just a little planning, you can enjoy the convenience of homemade meals even on your busiest days.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute. Add the mixed vegetables and continue to stir-fry until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Stir Fry
Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your healthy and delicious stir fry!
Nutritional Benefits
Incorporating ground beef into your diet provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, it contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which play a role in energy production and overall health. This dish balances protein with fiber-rich vegetables, creating a nutritious option for any meal.
The mixed vegetables in this stir fry contribute not only to the dish's vibrant appearance but also to its nutritional profile. Vegetables like bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while broccoli offers antioxidants and fiber. By including a variety of vegetables, you can ensure a broad range of nutrients that support your health.
Stir Fry Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with your stir fry, it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir frying is a quick process, and having everything on hand will help you avoid overcooking your ingredients. Chop your vegetables, mince your garlic and ginger, and measure out the sauces in advance for a seamless cooking experience.
Another tip is to keep your heat high while stir frying. This helps to sear the ingredients quickly, locking in flavors and maintaining their crispness. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. With practice, you'll become adept at perfecting your stir fry technique.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.
→ What type of vegetables are best for stir fry?
Any quick-cooking vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots work well.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the stir fry for a spicy kick.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and delicious dish that combines ground beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute. Add the mixed vegetables and continue to stir-fry until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your healthy and delicious stir fry!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g