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 bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice

Highlighted under: Easy Prep Favorites

I love making Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice on busy weeknights. It’s a go-to recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes, yet is packed with flavor and nutrition. Using ground beef ensures the meat cooks quickly, and the colorful vegetables add not only taste but also visual appeal to the dish. This recipe is versatile, allowing for any frozen or fresh veggies you have on hand, making it an ideal choice for cleaning out the fridge. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying meal!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:52:11.891Z

When I first tried making this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The secret lies in having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, so everything can cook quickly and evenly. I often use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables, depending on what I have available, which adds variety and keeps the dish exciting.

Another tip I've found helpful is to use high heat throughout the cooking process. This helps to sear the meat and veggies, locking in flavors while keeping everything tender yet crisp. It’s a simple yet effective technique that transforms this dish into a weeknight favorite at my table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy nights
Packed with flavor from fresh vegetables and savory beef
Healthy and satisfying, with a balance of protein and carbs

Perfecting Your Stir Fry Technique

To achieve a great stir fry, make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the sesame oil and ground beef. This high heat is crucial, as it helps sear the meat, enhancing flavors and ensuring a tender texture. You'll know it's ready when the oil shimmers and a slight haze appears above the pan. Stir the beef constantly to break up any clumps and ensure even cooking for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.

Once the beef is cooked, adding the vegetables is key to maintaining their crunchiness and vibrant colors. As soon as you add them, keep the stir-frying motion steady but gentle, allowing each piece to touch the hot surface. Aim for 5-7 minutes of cooking time for the vegetables, watching for that slight brightness in their color and a tender-crisp texture. This balance makes your dish not only appealing but also nutritious.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

The ground beef is versatile and can be substituted with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. However, the fat content in beef helps create a rich flavor base that complements the sauces beautifully. If you prefer plant-based options, consider using crumbled tofu or tempeh, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly since these require less time to heat through.

The variety of vegetables can be tailored based on what's available in your fridge or freezer. For instance, snap peas or zucchini work wonderfully instead of broccoli or bell peppers, providing a fresh twist to the flavor profile. If using frozen vegetables, add them directly from the freezer and allow a minute or two extra in the cooking time to ensure they're thoroughly heated.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 lb ground beef
2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice

Adjust ingredients according to your taste or what you have on hand!

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop all vegetables and have your sauces ready. This helps the stir fry to cook efficiently.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Add Vegetables

Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Add Sauce

Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve

Serve the stir fry over bowls of cooked rice. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

Feel free to customize the veggies or add extras like nuts for crunch!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped green onions on top just before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry is excellent for meal prep. If you know you'll be busy during the week, you can chop the vegetables and cook the rice ahead of time. Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Just combine when you're ready to eat, heating everything in a pan for about 5 minutes until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry. Allow it to cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or a skillet until piping hot.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnish options like freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat. These additions can elevate the dish and provide visual appeal, making it more inviting on the dinner table. I often serve this stir fry in deeper bowls to allow for generous servings of rice underneath.

Pair this stir fry with a light cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the beef and sauces. A side of egg rolls or spring rolls can also make it a more complete meal, turning your quick weeknight dinner into a delightful feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner option and works just as well in this stir fry.

→ What vegetables work best?

You can use any vegetables you like—carrots, snap peas, or even zucchini are great choices!

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Certainly! Just substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version, and you're good to go.