Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is perfect for busy weeknights. With its colorful vegetables and savory beef, it's a dish the whole family will love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights
- Packed with colorful veggies for a nutritious boost
- Savory and satisfying, great for the whole family
Quick and Convenient Weeknight Dinner
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be challenging. That's why this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is a game changer. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With just one skillet needed, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner with your family.
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Whether it's zucchini, snap peas, or bok choy, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes and make the most of seasonal produce. The versatility of this stir fry means you'll never get bored with it!
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Packed with colorful vegetables, this Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while broccoli provides fiber and antioxidants that support overall health. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and are loaded with beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy vision.
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. This balance of protein and vegetables ensures that your meal is both satisfying and nourishing. Eating a variety of vegetables not only enhances the meal's flavor but also contributes to a well-rounded diet.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Simply store the stir fry in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove for a quick lunch or dinner. Pair it with rice or noodles, and you have a complete meal ready in minutes.
If you're looking to save even more time, consider prepping your vegetables in advance. Chop them up over the weekend, so they’re ready to toss into the skillet when you're ready to cook. This small step can make a significant difference in how quickly you can get dinner on the table.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking.
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add Vegetables
Add garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Season and Serve
Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy stir fry!
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. If you want to keep it low-carb, serve it over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top can elevate the dish further, providing a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or some fresh fruit. A light cucumber salad or a refreshing fruit salad can complement the savory stir fry beautifully, adding a crisp and sweet contrast. This makes it a well-rounded meal that your family will love.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, make sure to stir well to evenly distribute the heat. If the stir fry seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of water to help revive the flavors.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own. If you're in the mood for a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick. Alternatively, you could incorporate different proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or tofu, to cater to dietary preferences.
Experimenting with sauces can also create exciting new flavors. Instead of soy sauce, try teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a homemade garlic ginger sauce. Each variation offers a unique twist on this classic dish, ensuring that it never feels repetitive, no matter how often you enjoy it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other protein instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir fry while cooking.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
→ What can I serve with this stir fry?
This stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
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 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g