Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl – Quick & Flavor-Packed Dinner
When you need a fast, satisfying dinner with bold flavors, a Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is the perfect choice. Juicy ground beef is stir-fried with crisp vegetables and a spicy-sweet sauce, then served over rice or noodles for a comforting, complete meal. It’s quick, delicious, and Pinterest-worthy for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 90/10 preferred)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white or brown rice, or noodles (for serving)
Tools You’ll Need
- Wok or large nonstick skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Rice cooker or saucepan (if making rice fresh)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Beef: Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, sriracha, hoisin, vinegar, and honey.
- Combine: Pour sauce over beef and veggies. Toss until evenly coated and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles, top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Use zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms for veggie variety.
- Add extra chili flakes if you love heat.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed: Ground beef builds strength and keeps you full.
- Veggie Boost: Carrots, broccoli, and peppers add vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Balanced Bowl: Carbs, protein, and healthy fats make this a complete meal.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust spice level for a metabolism-boosting kick.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
(Values may vary depending on rice/noodles and sauces used.)
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or a light beer.
- Shakes: A refreshing mango smoothie or cucumber-lime shake.
- Sides: Steamed dumplings, Asian cucumber salad, or miso soup.
- Desserts: Coconut milk pudding or fresh fruit salad.
FAQs
Can I meal prep Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowls?
Yes! Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What type of rice is best?
White jasmine rice is classic, but brown rice or quinoa make it healthier.
Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce sriracha and add more soy sauce or hoisin for a milder flavor.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze the cooked beef-veggie mixture (without rice) for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is the ultimate quick comfort food — flavorful, balanced, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or when you need a hearty bowl of bold flavors.
Serve it with rice, noodles, or a lighter base like cauliflower rice. Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice, and enjoy a restaurant-style stir-fry at home — simple, customizable, and Pinterest-perfect.