Name: Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1/2 zucchini, sliced; 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup steamed white rice

why make this recipe

I make this bowl when I want something fast and satisfying.
It fills the whole kitchen with garlicky, spicy aroma.
You can pull it together in about 20 minutes.
It teaches basic skillet skills.
If you like quick, simple breakfasts and light dinners, you might also enjoy my avocado toast with eggs.

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

Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground beef, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips, 1/2 zucchini, sliced, 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 cup steamed white rice

Directions:
Prep the vegetables first. Wash and chop them. Mince both cloves of garlic. Measure the sauces and seasonings.
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add sesame oil and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef. Cook and break it into small pieces. Cook until browned.
Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Remove from heat and keep warm.
In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté the other 2 cloves garlic for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes.
Add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and toss.
To serve, spoon hot steamed rice into bowls. Arrange beef and veggies side by side or on top. Spoon any extra sauce over the rice for more flavor.
If you love ground beef for quick meals, try my take on ground beef philly cheesesteaks another night.

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

Serve this warm and simple.
Add a soft fried egg on top for extra richness.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions for color.
I love to serve it with warm bread on the side. Try pairing it with quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks when you want something to sop up the sauce.

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

Cool leftovers quickly.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep rice and beef-veg together or separate. Both work.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Don’t crowd the pan. Cook the beef and veggies in two pans if needed.
Adjust chili flakes to taste. Start small if you don’t like heat.
If you want another easy one-pan weeknight idea, try my one-pan garlic butter salmon with roasted veggies.

variation (if any)

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bowl.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime for brightness.
Stir a spoonful of chili-garlic sauce into the beef for more kick.
Serve over noodles instead of rice for a twist. For a garlic-forward pairing, this also goes well with a simple garlic bread bowl like my spaghetti garlic bread bowls.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess water first. Cook a little longer until they are tender-crisp.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Confirm your brown sugar and other condiments are gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this less spicy?
A: Omit the chili flakes. Add a pinch of black pepper instead. You can also serve with extra rice to mellow the heat.

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