Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice

Introduction

What if your favorite takeout stir-fry met your weeknight dinner goals — quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly? That’s exactly what this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice delivers. Packed with savory-sweet umami flavor, tender beef, garlicky vegetables, and perfectly fluffy rice, it’s a one-bowl wonder that satisfies every craving. Think Asian-inspired spice meets comfort-food simplicity — all ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients List

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20) – juicy and full of flavor.
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for a sweeter flavor)
• 1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water, for thickening

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
• Sesame seeds & chili flakes, for garnish

Substitutions:

• Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
• Add snow peas, zucchini, or bok choy for extra greens.

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~25 minutes — quicker than takeout and far more satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh jasmine or white rice according to package directions. Keep warm.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5–6 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Add Aromatics & Veggies

Add minced garlic and onion; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Add the Sauce & Combine

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir and toss everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Let simmer for 2 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon warm rice into bowls, top with the spicy beef stir-fry, and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for an extra kick.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	7 g

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use lean ground meat (90/10) to reduce fat.
• Skip sugar and add a splash of fresh lime for balance.
• Steam the veggies lightly instead of stir-frying to preserve nutrients.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and slow-digesting carbs.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fried egg on top for an extra protein hit.
• Add a side of kimchi or pickled cucumbers for crunch and contrast.
• Pair with iced green tea or lemon water for a refreshing finish.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for restaurant-style flair.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan – prevents browning; cook in batches if needed.
2. Skipping the cornstarch slurry – results in a runny sauce instead of glossy coating.
3. Overcooking the veggies – they should stay bright and crisp.
4. Using high-sodium soy sauce – can make the dish too salty; opt for low-sodium versions.
5. Neglecting texture balance – crunchy veggies + saucy beef = perfect bite.

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in meal-prep containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the texture.

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Conclusion

This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is everything you crave — hearty, saucy, spicy, and bursting with umami. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s a fast, fuss-free way to enjoy big flavor in one satisfying bowl. Try it tonight and experience the magic of homemade takeout done right!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Use half the chili garlic sauce or replace it with mild sweet chili sauce.

Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just thaw slightly and drain before stir-frying to avoid excess water.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check your oyster sauce label.

Q4: What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Jasmine rice or short-grain white rice works best for its soft, sticky texture.

Q5: Can I meal-prep this?
Yes! Divide into individual containers with rice on one side and stir-fry on the other for easy grab-and-go lunches.