Name: Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Stir-Fry:; 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85/15 preferred); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced; 1 zucchini, halved and sliced; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); For the Sauce:; 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred); 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ¼ cup (60 ml) beef broth or water; For the Rice:; 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (freshly steamed or leftover); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for aroma); Optional Garnishes:; ; Toasted sesame seeds; Sliced fresh red chili or crushed chili flakes; Extra green onions or cilantro

There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that delivers bold flavor, vibrant colors, and a balance of spice, savoriness, and comfort all in one bowl. The Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice does exactly that. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef sizzling in a skillet, infused with garlic, ginger, and chili sauce, then tossed with crisp-tender vegetables and served over a bed of fluffy rice.

This dish brings together the warmth of Asian-inspired flavors with the heartiness of a home-cooked meal. It’s fast, simple, and bursting with character—perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something deliciously comforting yet quick to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably lean, 85/15)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, halved and sliced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) beef broth or water

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (freshly steamed or leftover)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for aroma)

Optional Garnishes:

Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced fresh red chili or crushed chili flakes
Extra green onions or cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you don’t already have cooked rice, start by preparing it first. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add it to a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and drizzle a little sesame oil for added fragrance. Keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir until smooth and set aside. This sauce will give your dish that irresistible sweet-spicy balance.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Once cooked through and slightly crispy at the edges, drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften and release its aroma.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger

Push the beef to one side of the pan. Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the empty side, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Mix them into the beef to infuse every bite with rich, garlicky flavor.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, keeping the veggies crisp but slightly tender. If you prefer softer vegetables, add a splash of water and cover for 1–2 minutes to steam them lightly.

Step 6: Combine with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef and veggies.

Taste and adjust the seasoning—add a bit more soy sauce for saltiness or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.

Step 7: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon a generous serving of steamy rice into each bowl. Top with the spicy ground beef and vegetable mixture. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a finishing touch.

Conservation and Storage

This dish stores beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Freezing: Freeze the beef stir-fry (without rice) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Rice Tip: Store rice separately to avoid sogginess. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water on it and cover with a damp paper towel for soft, fluffy results.

Variations

This stir-fry is incredibly flexible! Try these delicious alternatives:

Protein Swaps: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or tempeh and swap the oyster sauce with vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn make great additions for texture and flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Twist: Add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm, fresh from the wok. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:

Classic Bowl: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a traditional Asian-style meal.
Noodle Bowl: Swap rice for soba or rice noodles for a hearty twist.
Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the stir-fry into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb meal.
With Fried Egg: Top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg for extra richness.
Meal Prep: Pack into divided containers with rice on one side and stir-fry on the other for easy weekday lunches.

Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad, miso soup, or a chilled iced tea to balance the spice and round out the meal.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best on high heat—it locks in flavor and keeps veggies crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of searing.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before cooking—stir-frying moves quickly!
Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go. Add more chili for heat, sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tanginess.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics bring the dish to life—avoid pre-minced versions for the best flavor.

Conclusion

The Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is the perfect fusion of spice, comfort, and balance. Every bite combines juicy beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory-sweet sauce that ties it all together. It’s a versatile recipe—easy enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests.

Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the wok, meal-prepped for the week, or reinvented with noodles or lettuce wraps, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again—a true kitchen favorite that satisfies both the spice lover and the comfort food enthusiast in every bite.

Save

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

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A quick, flavor-packed stir-fry featuring juicy ground beef, crisp garlic-infused vegetables, and a perfectly spiced sauce—all served over warm, fluffy rice. This easy weeknight meal balances heat, sweetness, and savoriness in every bite

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85/15 preferred)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

1 zucchini, halved and sliced

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

¼ cup (60 ml) beef broth or water

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (freshly steamed or leftover)

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for aroma)

Optional Garnishes:

Toasted sesame seeds

Sliced fresh red chili or crushed chili flakes

Extra green onions or cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until clear. Add to a pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork, drizzle sesame oil, and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir until smooth; set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and cook 2 minutes more until softened.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Push beef to one side of the pan. Add remaining oil to the empty side, then sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix into beef.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and zucchini. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes, keeping them crisp-tender. For softer vegetables, add a splash of water and cover for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Assemble the Bowl
Spoon hot rice into bowls. Top with the spicy beef and vegetable mix. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!