A Tasty Weeknight Treat for People Who Like Strong Flavors
A warm, colorful bowl full of sizzling tastes, robust textures, and just the proper amount of heat is quite pleasant. The Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is exactly what it sounds like: a quick and filling meal that’s great for hectic weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or those nights when you want takeaway but want to make something yourself.
This recipe combines flavorful beef, garlic-flavored stir-fried vegetables, and flawlessly steamed white rice. It was inspired by the exciting, umami-rich flavors of Asian street cuisine and the gratifying shape of a classic rice bowl. In less than 30 minutes, you can have everything you want in a bowl: spice, crunch, warmth, and ease.
This meal came about because I was hungry late at night and my fridge was almost empty. The initial iteration of this bowl was made with some ground beef, some leftover vegetables, and a need for something spicy. Since then, it’s become a mainstay in our home. It’s easy to change based on what’s in season or what we have on hand, and its robust, crave-worthy flavors always hit the spot.
The fact that this recipe is so easy and can be used in so many ways is what makes it stand out. The sweet and spicy marinade on the meat, the garlic-flavored sautéed vegetables, and the hot rice all mix for a dish that feels both good for you and indulgent. And the best part? You can change it as much as you like to fit your mood, diet, or pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Bowl
- Quick and easy—it’s ready in 30 minutes, so it’s great for weeknights.
- Full of flavor: umami-rich, spicy, garlicky, and a little sweet.
- You can change the proteins, the vegetables, or add toppings.
- Meal prep friendly—keeps well in the fridge for up to four days.
- A healthy supper with protein, fiber, and good fats that fills you up.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Time to Prepare: 15 minutes
- Time to cook: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 2
- About 540 calories per serving
Want a quick, filling supper with a lot of flavor? This spicy ground beef stir-fry bowl is great for weeknights when you want to eat something homemade but also want to feel like you’re eating out. The sweet and spicy marinade on the juicy ground beef is cooked slowly, and the garlic-sautéed veggies are served over a bed of steamed rice. This bowl is both tasty and customizable.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Ground Beef
- 1/2 pound of ground beef
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp. of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
For the veggies with garlic
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1/2 zucchini, cut into thin slices
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
For the Base
- 1 cup of steaming white rice (jasmine or basmati is best)
Cooking Instructions
- Get the Ingredients Ready
First, wash and cut all of the vegetables. Get everything ready by chopping the garlic, measuring the sauces, and so on. Mise en place is very important while stir-frying because it goes quickly. - Cook the ground beef
Put a non-stick skillet or wok on the stove over medium-high heat.
Put in the minced garlic and sesame oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the smell is strong.
Add the ground beef and heat it until it turns brown, using a spatula to break it up.
Add soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar and mix well. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens a little and makes a sticky coating on the beef.
Take it off the stove and put it aside.
- Cook the Garlic Veggies in a Pan
In another pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the mushrooms and simmer for two minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden.
Put in the zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir often and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
Add a little soy sauce and boil the vegetables until they are soft but not mushy. - Put the Bowl Together
Begin with a bed of hot, steaming white rice.
Put the stir-fried beef on one side and the garlic vegetables on the other.
For added flavor, you can drizzle any leftover sauce from the skillet over the top.
How to Succeed
- If you can, use rice that is a day old. It is less sticky and has a better texture when reheated or stir-fried.
- Don’t simmer the vegetables too long.You want them to be bright and crunchy, not soggy.
- Taste and change the heat.If you can’t handle spicy food, cut less on the chili flakes. Add a squirt of sriracha if you like spicy food.
Changes and Replacements
Changing Proteins
- Ground turkey or chicken is lighter yet still tastes good.
- Tofu or tempeh is a great plant-based option.
- Shrimp or cut beef strips add a new texture and taste wonderful with the same sauce.
Add-Ins for Vegetables
- Corn for babies
- Peas in snow
- Bok choy or spinach
- Carrots cut into thin strips or julienne
- Add edamame for more protein.
Alternatives to Rice
- Brown rice has greater fiber.
- Cauliflower rice is a low-carb choice.
- Quinoa is a great base because it has a lot of protein.
Toppings to Make Your Bowl Better
- Adding a fried or poached egg on top makes it creamier and gives it more protein.
- Fresh cilantro or chopped scallions add a fresh taste.
- For texture, add roasted sesame seeds or broken peanuts.
- Adding a little bit of spicy mayo or hoisin sauce makes the taste even better.
How to Store and Reheat
This stir-fry bowl is great for getting ready for meals. Put each part in its own airtight container:
- Beef and vegetables can last in the fridge for up to four days.
- Rice can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.
To heat up, microwave each part separately so that they all get warm. To keep things moist, add a little water or soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (For Each Serving)
- Calories: around 540
- 28g of protein
- 45 grams of carbs
- 26g of fat
- 5 grams of fiber
- Sodium: Depends on the type of soy sauce used
This bowl has a fantastic mix of macronutrients, so it’s perfect for a meal after a workout, a filling lunch, or a dinner that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.