Introduction

This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl combines savory, spicy flavors with fresh garlic veggies and fluffy steamed rice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting yet vibrant.

A white bowl filled with five layers of food, each in a section: the top left has white steamed rice with soft texture, the top right shows several golden brown sautéed mushroom slices with a slightly shiny surface, the bottom left contains bright green cooked broccoli florets with some light charring, the center has a pile of cooked ground meat with small crumbles and a reddish-brown color mixed with tiny bits of red pepper, and the bottom right holds cooked zucchini slices and vibrant red bell pepper strips with a glossy look. The bowl is held by a woman's hand over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced (for beef)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for beef)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1/2 zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced (for veggies)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce (for veggies)
1 cup steamed white rice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them. Mince both portions of garlic separately. Measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and the first portion of minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens, then remove from heat.
Step 5: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the second portion of minced garlic for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 6: Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 7: Add broccoli florets, zucchini slices, and red bell pepper strips. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and toss well to combine.
Step 8: To serve, place hot steamed white rice into bowls. Arrange the cooked beef and garlic vegetables neatly on top or side by side.
Step 9: Spoon any extra sauce from the beef over the bowl for added flavor and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Adjust chili flakes to your preferred heat level or substitute with fresh chili for a fresher kick.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the veggies for a touch of brightness.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free or lower in carbs.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. To prevent the rice from drying out, sprinkle a little water before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with five different layers arranged side by side: fluffy white rice on the top left, bright green cooked broccoli florets on the bottom left, brown cooked ground meat with small red and dark bits in the center, light brown sautéed mushroom slices on the top right, and sautéed zucchini slices mixed with shiny red bell pepper strips and some small broccoli pieces on the bottom right. The bowl is held by a woman's hand against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or a mix of hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the beef and vegetables separately, then store everything in the fridge. Reheat together before serving to maintain freshness.