Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe

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Warm & Familiar Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe

Nothing beats the comforting sizzle of a quick ground beef stir-fry fresh off the stove, especially when it’s puckered up with spicy chili flakes and paired with crisp-edged veggies. I love when the kitchen fills with that fragrant mix of garlic and sesame, making you hungry before the first bite.

You’ll notice this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe feels both familiar and exciting. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but complex in flavor thanks to careful seasoning and the freshness of brightly sautéed vegetables. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable with whatever you have on hand.

As you cook along, pay attention to the texture contrasts — the velvety ground beef against crunchy broccoli and sweet bell pepper slices is such a satisfying play in every mouthful.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground beef (80/20): Provides the juicy, hearty base — the fat ratio keeps it flavorful and tender.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, and using it minced releases those beautiful pungent oils.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Gives that classic umami punch without overpowering saltiness.
• Chili flakes: Bring in a gentle heat layer — you can adjust this depending on your spice tolerance.
• Sesame oil: A small drizzle at the end for a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds everything beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Balances the savory and spicy with a subtle sweetness; honey works great here as well.
• Broccoli florets: Their natural crunch and slight earthiness contrast nicely; you can blanch for a softer bite.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color — fresh slices keep the stir-fry lively.
• Zucchini: Soaks in flavors quickly and brings a gentle, creamy texture when sautéed.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they deepen the overall flavor profile while maintaining a tender bite.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing veggies; feel free to use avocado or grapeseed oil for a higher smoke point.
• Steamed white rice: Your perfect neutral base, rinsed before cooking to keep grains separate and fluffy.

Before You Start

Getting organized before you heat up the pan saves you from scrambling mid-cook. I like to mince my garlic, slice vegetables uniformly, and have my sauces measured out. The rice should be rinsed well — this keeps it fluffy, not sticky, so it picks up the saucy stir-fry perfectly.

How to Make Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe

1. Cook the rice first. Whether you use a rice cooker or stovetop pot, rinsing the rice beforehand removes excess starch, ensuring each bite is distinct and fluffy. This base will soak up all the meat and veggie juices beautifully.
2. Brown the beef. Heat your skillet or wok on medium-high — you want a hot surface for quick searing. Adding the ground beef now creates a crisp-edged, caramelized crust that intensifies the flavor. Stir moderately; over-stirring cools the pan.
3. Infuse the spice. Push the beef aside, then add minced garlic and chili flakes directly to the hot pan. This technique unlocks their aromatics without burning, letting the spice bloom in the oil before blending with the meat.
4. Deglaze the pan. Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar, scraping any caramelized bits off the pan’s bottom. This step loosens the flavorful fond, melding sweet and savory elements into a velvety glaze that coats your beef perfectly. Let it simmer for about a minute to deepen flavor.
5. Remove the beef. Transfer this fragrant, richly coated mixture to a plate to rest briefly. This pause stops cooking so the beef stays tender and juicy without drying out.

6. Sauté the vegetables. In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli, red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Keeping the heat moderate ensures the veggies soften but still retain a slight crunch, releasing their natural sweetness and freshness.
7. Finish strong. Return the beef to the pan, drizzle sesame oil, and splash light soy sauce. Toss everything gently to combine, letting the fragrant steam swirl and distribute flavors evenly. Serve this hot over your steaming white rice for a meal that feels both fresh and deeply satisfying.

Flavor Variations for Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe

• Kick it up: Add chopped fresh ginger with the garlic for a zesty, warming note.
• Seasonal swap: Try snap peas or asparagus instead of bell peppers for a spring twist.
• Sweet-sour balance: Stir in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness.
• Nutty crunch: Top with toasted peanuts or cashews for texture and an extra flavor layer.
• Herbal lift: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil just before serving for a fragrant pop.
• Make it saucier: Add a tablespoon of hoisin or oyster sauce to the soy sauce mix for richness.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. The veggies maintain some crunch if reheated gently.
• Freeze: Freeze the beef and veggies (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best reheat results.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and avoid drying out.
• Rice tip: Reheat steamed rice with a damp paper towel cover in the microwave to keep it fluffy.

Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies Recipe FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely. Use the same technique, but be mindful that leaner meats cook faster and can dry out, so watch the heat closely.
• What if I don’t have sesame oil? You can skip it or use toasted peanut oil if you have it — the flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
• How hot is this dish? The chili flakes add a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the amount or swap for fresh chilies if you want more control.
• Is it necessary to blanch broccoli? Not required, but a quick 1-minute blanch softens the broccoli’s bite and brightens its color if you prefer a more tender veggie.
• Can I prep this ahead? You can chop veggies and measure sauces in advance. Just cook fresh for the best texture and flavor balance.

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