Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A quick and healthy dinner option that's packed with protein and colorful vegetables.
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and is sure to please the whole family!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare and cook, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Packed with healthy vegetables for a nutritious meal
- Savory and satisfying, a crowd-pleaser for all ages
A Balanced Meal in Minutes
When time is of the essence, yet you still want a nutritious meal, this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is your go-to solution. Utilizing ground beef not only speeds up the cooking process, but it also delivers a hearty dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Combined with a vibrant array of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, this dish strikes the perfect balance between taste and nutrition.
In just about 15 minutes, you can have a colorful and satisfying dinner on the table. The quick cooking method ensures that the vegetables retain their crunch, offering a delightful contrast to the savory beef. This fast-paced approach makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive.
Customize to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of stir fry is its versatility. While this recipe features ground beef and a mix of vegetables, feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap in different proteins like chicken, turkey, or tofu, or experiment with seasonal veggies such as snap peas or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!
You can also modify the flavor profile by adding different sauces or spices. For a kick of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha. If you prefer a sweeter finish, a splash of teriyaki sauce can elevate the dish to a new level of deliciousness. This customization ensures that every family member will find something to love.
Perfect Pairings
To round out your meal, consider serving this stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, which will soak up the savory juices and enhance the overall dining experience. Brown rice or quinoa can serve as healthier alternatives, offering additional fiber and nutrients. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad.
Don’t forget about beverages! A light, refreshing drink like iced green tea or lemonade complements the flavors of this dish wonderfully. And for dessert, consider something light and fruity, like a sorbet or fruit salad, to cleanse the palate after such a delightful, savory meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare your stir fry:
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive 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
Stir in the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Season and Serve
Add soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful stir fry!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining freshness. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. This method ensures that your meal remains flavorful and doesn't dry out.
Nutritional Benefits
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, which are vital for energy production and red blood cell formation. This recipe's incorporation of colorful vegetables adds a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a well-rounded diet.
The combination of protein and fiber-rich vegetables helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making this stir fry not just a quick meal but also a nourishing one. It's a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work well for this recipe; just add them directly to the skillet.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
→ What can I serve with the stir fry?
This stir fry is delicious served over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and healthy dinner option that's packed with protein and colorful vegetables.
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 (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Add soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g