Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and delicious meal packed with protein and colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is not only a flavorful dish but also a nutritious one. It's a great way to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile recipe that you can customize to your taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein and colorful veggies for a nutritious meal.
- Great for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
The Benefits of Ground Beef
Ground beef is a versatile protein that can quickly elevate any dish. It is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and overall health. Choosing lean ground beef can help you enjoy a hearty meal without excessive saturated fat.
Incorporating ground beef into your diet can also be a budget-friendly option. It is economical compared to other protein sources and can be stretched with vegetables, grains, or legumes. This makes it an excellent choice for families looking to save money while still providing nutritious meals.
Customizing Your Stir Fry
One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is its adaptability. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms, depending on what you have on hand. This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy this dish any time of the year with seasonal produce.
Additionally, if you're looking to spice things up, consider adding a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for a kick of heat. You can also experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce to create variations that suit your palate.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This stir fry is an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply store the stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for those busy days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pairing it with freshly cooked rice or noodles can turn your meal prep into a delightful dining experience, ensuring you always have a nutritious meal ready to go.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to substitute any vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger.
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.
Add the Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Season and Serve
Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious stir fry!
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but it can also be served over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. For a healthier option, consider using brown rice or whole grain noodles. You can also serve it alongside a light salad to add freshness to your meal.
If you're feeling adventurous, try topping it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. These garnishes not only enhance the dish visually but also provide an additional layer of taste.
Storage Tips
To keep your stir fry fresh, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make the food soggy. If stored properly, it can last in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry in portions. It can be safely frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. A single serving provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of beef and a variety of vegetables ensures that you receive dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Moreover, the dish is low in carbs, making it suitable for those following a low-carb diet. By controlling the amount of oil and soy sauce, you can easily adjust the calorie content to fit your dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How long does it take to cook?
The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, which includes both preparation and cooking.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this stir fry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ What can I serve with stir fry?
This stir fry is delicious served over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and delicious meal packed with protein and colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger.
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.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g