Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites
A quick and delicious stir fry featuring ground beef and a colorful array of vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is a staple in many households. It's quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition
- Savory flavors that please the whole family
A Flavorful Weeknight Option
Busy weeknights can often leave little time for cooking, yet we all crave a healthy and satisfying meal. This Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a wholesome dish packed with protein and vibrant vegetables. The quick preparation allows you to spend more time with family without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
The beauty of this stir fry lies in its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by swapping in your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Whether you have leftover veggies in the fridge or want to try something new, this recipe is adaptable and forgiving, making it ideal for any home cook.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only quick and delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Ground beef provides essential protein and iron, crucial for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle health. The mixed vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, ensuring your meal is balanced and nourishing.
By incorporating a colorful array of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, this stir fry also promotes healthy digestion and boosts your immune system. Eating a rainbow of veggies helps ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients, making this dish a smart choice for families looking to enhance their diet.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or hearty whole grain noodles. This not only adds a satisfying base to your meal but also helps soak up the delicious flavors of the stir fry. For an added crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving.
If you're looking to enhance the meal further, side dishes like a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame can complement the stir fry beautifully. These light accompaniments offer freshness and balance, making your dinner even more delightful.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking before serving.
Instructions
Prep all your ingredients and get your skillet or wok ready for cooking.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season and Serve
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful stir fry!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after making this tasty stir fry, you're in luck! Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring you have a quick lunch or dinner ready to go.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Place cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap ground beef for other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.
Additionally, experiment with different sauces or spices. A splash of teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist or some chili flakes for heat can transform the dish completely. The possibilities are endless, and trying new variations keeps mealtime exciting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this stir fry?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
→ What vegetables work best?
You can use any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
A quick and delicious stir fry featuring ground beef and a colorful array of vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Hearty Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g