Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice

Name: Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); 3 cups cooked rice; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Recipe Vault

I love whipping up this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice when I need a speedy yet satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is packed with flavors that my family enjoys. The best part is that I can have everything ready in just about 30 minutes, from prep to plate. With a mix of fresh vegetables and savory ground beef, this dish is not only quick but also healthy. I often customize the veggies based on what's in my fridge, making it versatile and resourceful.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:40:10.529Z

This dish quickly became a family favorite after I first made it a few weeks ago. Using ground beef allows the meal to come together effortlessly, and I find that browning the meat with garlic and ginger really brings out its best flavors. I remember finishing the stir fry just in time for dinner -- the aromas filling the kitchen were irresistible!

I experimented with adding different sauces, but a simple combination of soy sauce and sesame oil proved to be the perfect balance. It compliments the crunch of the vegetables beautifully, and I love how the rice soaks up all the flavors. It's a winning recipe that never disappoints.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation without sacrificing flavor
Customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand
A family-friendly meal that kids will love

Choosing the Right Beef

When selecting ground beef for this stir fry, aim for a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. This ensures that the beef remains moist and full of flavor as it cooks. Leaner cuts may dry out or become tough when cooked quickly in a hot skillet. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but be aware that these leaner meats may require added seasoning to boost flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions, a plant-based ground beef alternative can be used. These products often contain added seasonings, so you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce to avoid overly salty flavors. Additionally, you might consider checking the ingredient list for preservatives if you aim for a cleaner dish.

Perfecting Stir Fry Techniques

To achieve that signature stir fry texture, ensure your skillet is preheated over medium-high heat before adding the beef. A hot skillet will create a nice sear on the meat, sealing in juices and enhancing the overall flavor. If your beef starts to steam instead of sear, you may need to increase the heat or cook in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to a soggy texture.

Stir frying is influential for achieving crisp-tender vegetables. Aim for vibrant colors and slight char on the edges, which indicates the vegetables are cooked but still have some crunch. Keeping the vegetables moving in the pan will also prevent them from overcooking—about 5-7 minutes tends to be the sweet spot. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth or a squeeze of lime during this stage.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking. This will make your cooking process smoother.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
3 cups cooked rice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Make sure to prep all your vegetables beforehand for a quick cooking experience.

Instructions

Read through the steps before you begin to familiarize yourself with the process.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Incorporate Vegetables

Add in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Mix Sauce in

Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the beef and vegetables. Toss to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve with Rice

Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness.

Enjoy your meal fresh and hot from the stove!

Pro Tips

Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer, such as snap peas, zucchini, or even spinach. Also, for extra flavor, try marinating the ground beef in soy sauce ahead of time.

Storing and Reheating

This Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the meat from drying out. Stir the mixture frequently until warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef rubbery.

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for the best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, be mindful of the texture of cooked vegetables; they might become mushy after freezing and reheating. For optimized freshness, prepare the vegetables fresh when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir fry over a bed of rice for a traditional touch, but feel free to switch it up! Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives for a healthier base. For extra color and nutrients, consider topping your dish with fresh vegetables like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or a side of pickled radishes. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the savory stir fry.

For a more complete meal, I often add a fried egg on top of my serving, which not only enhances the protein content but also adds a rich flavor when mixed in. Finishing the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the flavors, creating a delightful finish that elevates the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this stir fry spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili garlic sauce for heat.

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this stir fry.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.