Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry is a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. You can use any veggies you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to clean out your fridge!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with colorful vegetables for a nutritious meal
- Flavorful ground beef that absorbs all the delicious sauces
- Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights
A Quick and Nutritious Meal
When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a healthy meal can be a challenge. This ground beef and veggie stir fry not only delivers on flavor but also provides essential nutrients that your body craves. The combination of vibrant vegetables and protein-rich ground beef ensures that you’re serving up a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Plus, with its quick cooking time, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
Stir fries are a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet. In this recipe, the bright colors of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only make the dish visually appealing but also contribute a range of vitamins and minerals. Eating a colorful plate means you’re getting a diverse array of nutrients, promoting overall health and wellness. This meal is a great way to meet your daily vegetable intake while enjoying a delicious dining experience.
Flavorful Ingredients Come Together
The beauty of this stir fry lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors. The ground beef absorbs the savory soy sauce and aromatic sesame oil, creating a rich, umami flavor that’s hard to resist. The minced garlic and ginger add a layer of warmth and zest, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor, whether you enjoy it on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles.
Using fresh, quality ingredients is key to making this stir fry a standout meal. Opt for organic ground beef whenever possible, as it tends to have a richer flavor and better texture. For the vegetables, feel free to customize your selection based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different produce, making it a reliable go-to for any time of the year.
Make It Your Own
One of the best aspects of this ground beef and veggie stir fry is its adaptability. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to experiment and create a dish that reflects your unique palate.
Moreover, this stir fry is a fantastic meal prep option. You can make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy, saving you time and effort on busy days. With its great flavor and easy customization, this recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but also simplifies your meal planning.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to add any other vegetables you enjoy!
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season and Serve
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful stir fry!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your ground beef and veggie stir fry experience, consider pairing it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or whole grain noodles. This combination not only complements the stir fry beautifully but also adds a satisfying element to your meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color to your dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can serve the stir fry in lettuce wraps for a fun and low-carb alternative. Simply spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy it as a hand-held delight. This is perfect for gatherings or a light summer meal, allowing everyone to customize their wraps with their favorite toppings.
Storage Tips
Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the vegetables and the meat. A quick stir over medium heat will bring it back to life without making it soggy. If you have more leftovers than you can eat, consider freezing portions for later use.
To freeze, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above. This makes it a convenient meal solution for those busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Nutritional Benefits
This ground beef and veggie stir fry is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle development and overall energy levels. The mixed vegetables contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting your immune system and overall health.
Incorporating healthy fats from the sesame oil adds heart-healthy nutrients that can improve cholesterol levels. Additionally, this recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a lower-carb diet. By choosing high-quality ingredients and balancing the flavors, this stir fry becomes a wholesome dish that you can feel good about serving your family.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
Any crunchy vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms work well.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them just before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry
This delicious ground beef and veggie stir fry is a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Holly James
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)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g