Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice

Name: Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); 3 cups cooked rice; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love quick and easy meals that deliver on flavor, and this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice is one of my absolute favorites. It's a dish I can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, I can customize the vegetables based on what I have on hand, making it versatile and fun to make. I can't wait to share this delicious recipe with you!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:16:16.222Z

When preparing this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry, I found that using fresh, crisp vegetables made a remarkable difference in both texture and taste. Not only do the vegetables add color, but they also contribute essential nutrients to the dish. I always ensure to cook them until just tender to maintain that vibrant crunch.

Another tip I've picked up is to let the beef sear properly before stirring it in the pan. This caramelization adds depth to the flavor, elevating the overall taste of the stir fry. The result is a delightful meal that never fails to please!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights
Packed with flavor and nutrients from fresh vegetables
Customizable with any veggies you have on hand

      

Tips for Cooking Perfect Ground Beef

When cooking the ground beef, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated over medium-high heat before adding the meat. This will help achieve a nice browning, which not only enhances the flavor but also improves the texture. Break the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula to prevent clumping, cooking it for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. The fat rendered during this process adds richness to the dish.

For the best flavor, consider using ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20. This will provide more moisture and richness to the stir fry. If you prefer a leaner option, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be cautious, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

The beauty of this stir fry lies in its versatility; you can use any mixed vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Fresh bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli work wonderfully, but feel free to think outside the box with snap peas, zucchini, or even frozen veggie blends. Just remember that cooking times will vary; denser vegetables like carrots will take longer to become tender, so consider par-cooking them for a few minutes initially if you're using a mix.

Another tip is to chop your vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking, allowing all ingredients to harmonize beautifully. For visual appeal and to enhance the crunch factor, you might also try adding vegetables towards the end of the cooking process, such as fresh spinach or bean sprouts, which only require a minute or two to wilt.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious stir fry:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
3 cups cooked rice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Make sure to prep all your ingredients before starting the cooking process for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stir fry:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Include Vegetables

Add the mixed vegetables to the beef mixture. Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Combine Rice and Sauces

Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the skillet. Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy your satisfying stir fry!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider topping your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.

Making Ahead and Storage

This Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance, storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through before adding the rice and sauces. This can save precious time on busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without starting from scratch.

If you have leftovers, they store remarkably well. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, just microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from drying out. You can also enjoy this stir fry as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups, creating a fun twist on the initial meal.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

To elevate the flavor profile of your stir fry, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sriracha for heat during the mixing stage. A teaspoon of honey or brown sugar can also balance the savory elements perfectly. If you're a fan of spices, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of five-spice powder to give the dish an aromatic kick.

For a more substantial meal, you can incorporate proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu alongside the ground beef. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken will take longer and should be thoroughly cooked before resealing back with the other ingredients. This flexibility allows you to customize your stir fry to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all work great in this recipe.

→ How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best results.

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.