This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is a quick, flavor-packed dish that brings the perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness to the dinner table. Juicy ground beef is cooked in a bold sauce and paired with crisp-tender vegetables sautéed in garlic, all served over fluffy, steamy rice. It’s satisfying, colorful, and incredibly easy to make on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients I already have in the kitchen. The ground beef is incredibly versatile and absorbs all the bold flavors of the stir-fry sauce. The garlic veggies add crunch and freshness that balance out the richness of the meat. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something hearty, spicy, and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Cooked white rice
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Carrots
- Broccoli florets
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Directions
- I start by cooking the rice so it’s ready to go when everything else is done. Steamy rice is key to bringing the bowl together.
- In a hot skillet or wok, I brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. I drain any excess grease if needed.
- While the beef cooks, I whisk together the stir-fry sauce using soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
- Once the beef is browned, I pour the sauce over it and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors soak in.
- In a separate pan, I sauté the veggies in sesame oil and garlic until they’re tender but still have a bite—usually 5 to 7 minutes.
- I assemble the bowls by placing a scoop of rice at the bottom, topping it with the saucy beef, and adding a generous helping of the garlic veggies.
- I garnish with chopped green onions and extra chili sauce if I want more kick.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a quick dinner or make-ahead lunch bowls.
Variations
I like switching up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Sometimes I use cauliflower rice instead of white rice to cut down on carbs. For extra flavor, I’ll toss in a splash of hoisin sauce or fish sauce into the stir-fry sauce. If I have zucchini, snow peas, or mushrooms in the fridge, I throw them in with the veggies for added variety.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I do it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. The rice and beef reheat beautifully, and the veggies stay flavorful.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate when I use sriracha, but I can easily adjust the heat by using less chili sauce or adding more if I love it spicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the components in advance and assemble the bowls when I’m ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep.
What kind of rice works best?
I prefer jasmine or long-grain white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa works well if I want a healthier twist.
Can I freeze this stir-fry bowl?
The beef and rice freeze well, but the veggies might lose their texture. I freeze the beef mixture separately and make fresh veggies when reheating.
What other sauces can I use instead of sriracha?
I sometimes use chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or even a dash of hot sauce depending on what I have on hand.
Conclusion
This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is a go-to for me when I want something bold, filling, and fast. It’s packed with flavor, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. I keep it in my rotation because it’s comforting, nutritious, and incredibly easy to whip up with whatever I have in the fridge.
PrintSpicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
A quick and flavor-packed stir-fry bowl featuring spicy ground beef, garlic-sautéed vegetables, and fluffy white rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain preferred)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (plus more for sautéing veggies)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the white rice according to package instructions and set aside, keeping it warm.
- In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, reduce heat, and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of sesame oil and sauté the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli with garlic until tender but crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble bowls by layering a scoop of rice, then the spicy beef, followed by the garlic sautéed vegetables.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and additional chili sauce or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snow peas for variety.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hoisin or fish sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
