Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

Highlighted under: Express Kitchen

Ground beef and veggie stir fry is a quick and delicious meal that combines savory beef with colorful vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Vanessa Doyle

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2025-12-24T15:15:35.455Z

This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. It's a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a satisfying meal.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes
  • Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition
  • Savory and satisfying, perfect for the whole family

The Benefits of Ground Beef

Ground beef is not only a delicious choice for many recipes, but it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Rich in protein, it helps to build and repair tissues in the body, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain or increase muscle mass. Additionally, ground beef provides essential nutrients such as iron and zinc, which are vital for energy production and a healthy immune system.

When choosing ground beef for your stir fry, opt for lean varieties to reduce saturated fat intake. This allows you to enjoy the rich flavors without compromising your healthy eating goals. The versatility of ground beef also makes it easy to incorporate into various dishes, adapting to different cuisines and flavor profiles.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of a stir fry lies in its flexibility, particularly when it comes to vegetables. Using a mix of colorful vegetables not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also boosts its nutritional value. Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are excellent choices, as they offer a variety of vitamins and minerals while adding a satisfying crunch.

Don't hesitate to experiment with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Snap peas, zucchini, and mushrooms can also be delightful additions. The key is to ensure that the vegetables are cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully in your stir fry.

Serving Suggestions

Ground beef and veggie stir fry can be served in numerous ways, making it a versatile dish for any meal. For a hearty option, serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. This will soak up the savory sauce, creating a satisfying and filling meal. Alternatively, for a lighter option, consider serving it in lettuce wraps or over a salad, adding a refreshing crunch.

To elevate the dish, think about garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions. These small additions can enhance the flavor profile and presentation, turning a simple stir fry into a visually appealing meal. Pairing it with a side of soy sauce or a spicy chili sauce can also add an extra kick for those who enjoy more heat.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Season the Stir Fry

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Pro Tips

  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir fry.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers from your ground beef and veggie stir fry, storing them properly is crucial for maintaining freshness. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can microwave the stir fry in short intervals, stirring in between, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help revive the flavors and prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this ground beef and veggie stir fry is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh, and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

You can also experiment with different sauces and spices to create various flavor profiles. Try adding a splash of teriyaki sauce for sweetness or a drizzle of sriracha for heat. This not only keeps the dish exciting but also allows you to cater to different taste preferences, making it a hit for everyone at the dinner table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ What vegetables can I use?

Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry ahead of time and reheat it when ready to eat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

Ground beef and veggie stir fry is a quick and delicious meal that combines savory beef with colorful vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Vanessa Doyle

Recipe Type: Express Kitchen

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Stir Fry

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  5. 2 tbsp soy sauce
  6. 1 tbsp sesame oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 03

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Extra Tips

  1. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir fry.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g