Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice

Name: Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 2 cups cooked rice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Effortless Cooking

I love making this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice because it perfectly balances quick preparation with delicious flavors. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish saves me time without sacrificing taste. The ground beef cooks quickly, and the vibrant vegetables add both nutrition and color. I often find myself customizing the recipe with whatever veggies I have on hand, making each stir fry a bit different but always satisfying. It's a one-pan wonder that keeps my family happy and full!

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:52:06.486Z

While experimenting with quick meals, I stumbled upon this quick ground beef stir fry using simple ingredients I had on hand. I love how the beef browns beautifully, locking in all the juices while maintaining great flavor. Pairing it with fresh vegetables makes for a balanced and vibrant meal.

One tip I discovered is to cook the vegetables just until tender-crisp to keep their colors bright and nutrients intact. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s easy to adapt with different sauces or spices based on your preferences, making it a versatile dinner option.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare and packed with flavor
Colorful veggies add nutrition and crunch
Great for using up leftover vegetables

Maximize Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients play a crucial role in elevating the flavor of your Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry. Using vibrant bell peppers and crunchy snap peas not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a satisfying texture. When choosing your vegetables, look for those that are crisp and bright, as they will contribute to a fresher taste. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you effort without compromising on flavor, making dinner prep a breeze.

In this recipe, the combination of garlic and ginger brings warmth and a savory depth to the dish. When finely minced, they release essential oils that infuse the ground beef as it cooks, creating a tasty foundation. Ensure to sauté them until fragrant, around 30 seconds to a minute, before adding the vegetables. This method enhances their flavor profile, contributing to a rounded and delightful stir fry that’s anything but ordinary.

Stir Fry Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Veggies

Achieving the right texture in your vegetables is key to a successful stir fry. Aim for a perfect tender-crisp texture by cooking the vegetables quickly over high heat. Since broccoli florets and snap peas can take longer to cook, add them first before the more delicate bell pepper. This staggered approach ensures that all the veggies maintain their vibrant color and crunch, providing a pleasing contrast against the softened ground beef and rice.

When stirring your ingredients in the skillet, use a spatula to toss them gently but frequently. This technique prevents burning while allowing each piece to cook evenly. If you notice any ingredients starting to stick to the pan, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or additional sesame oil to maintain the right moisture level—it'll help everything stay juicy and delicious without compromising the dish’s integrity.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a flavorful stir fry:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a quick and delicious stir fry:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the garlic, ginger, and vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas). Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are tender-crisp.

Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute any vegetables according to your preference. If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or sriracha for an extra kick.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry is not only delicious fresh but also makes for fantastic leftovers! Once cooled, store your stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best texture, avoid adding the rice and sauce until you're ready to eat leftovers, allowing you to adjust flavors to your liking.

When reheating, you can either microwave the stir fry in short intervals, stirring frequently, or spread it in a skillet over low heat. I find that adding a splash of soy sauce or water during reheating can help reintroduce moisture and flavor, ensuring that your meal remains satisfying and delightful, just like the first bite.

Customizing Your Stir Fry

One of the best aspects of this stir fry is its versatility! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, carrots, or even baby corn work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as denser veggies like carrots will need a bit longer to soften. The key is to keep the focus on balance, ensuring you have a mix of colors and textures for a visually appealing dish.

You can also modify the protein in this recipe by using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked completely, adjusting cooking times as necessary to ensure that your dish is safe and flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used and will save you time. Just add them directly to the skillet.

→ What kind of rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice is great, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but leftover stir fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve it with?

This stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with spring rolls or a side salad for extra variety.