Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A delicious and quick stir fry featuring ground beef and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. A perfect meal for busy weeknights!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Packed with colorful vegetables for a nutritious boost
- A versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. That's where this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry shines! It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a colorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
One of the best things about stir-fry is its adaptability. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether it’s snap peas, zucchini, or even baby corn, the possibilities are endless. This recipe encourages creativity in the kitchen, making it not only a meal but also an opportunity for culinary exploration.
Tips for a Flavorful Stir Fry
For the best results, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and flavor. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the skillet; if you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches to ensure everything gets that perfect stir-fry char.
Using fresh garlic and ginger elevates the dish significantly. These aromatics add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for an extra kick. This recipe is adaptable to your spice tolerance, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is delicious served over steamed rice or noodles, but you can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions adds a fresh touch and enhances the presentation.
For a complete meal, pair the stir fry with a light side salad or some steamed dumplings. This not only adds variety but also makes for a more filling dinner. No matter how you choose to serve it, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Make sure to prep all your ingredients before starting to cook for a seamless stir fry experience!
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining oil. Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine and Season
Mix the beef and vegetables together. Pour in the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry!
Feel free to customize this stir fry with your favorite vegetables or proteins!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, a quick stir in the skillet is ideal to maintain the texture of the vegetables. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying out the meat.
For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry. Divide into meal-sized portions and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned before. This makes for a convenient meal option when you're short on time.
Nutritional Benefits
This stir fry is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Ground beef provides a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Coupled with a variety of vegetables, you get vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that contribute to a balanced diet.
Incorporating colorful vegetables not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures you're getting a wide range of nutrients. Bell peppers, for example, are high in vitamin C, while broccoli offers significant amounts of vitamin K. Eating a rainbow of veggies is a fantastic way to support your overall health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even tofu can be great alternatives.
→ What vegetables work best for this stir fry?
You can use any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and veggies ahead of time, then stir fry them just before serving.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A delicious and quick stir fry featuring ground beef and vibrant 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
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining oil. Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Mix the beef and vegetables together. Pour in the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g