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 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 inches ginger, grated; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups cooked rice; Sesame seeds (optional) for garnish

Highlighted under: Fast & Flavorful Studio

I absolutely love quick meals that come together in no time, and this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice is one of my all-time favorites. It's a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet simple. With just a few fresh ingredients and a sprinkle of soy sauce, I can whip up a delicious stir fry in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt to whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a go-to in my kitchen!

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:25:13.301Z

When I first tried making this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry, I was amazed at how much flavor could come from such simple ingredients. The key is to use freshly minced garlic and ginger, which elevate the dish and give it that authentic stir-fry aroma. I often experiment with different veggies, but bell peppers and snap peas have become my favorite combination; they add crunch and sweetness.

One tip I swear by is to keep the beef moving in the pan to avoid overcooking it. This way, you get that beautiful, caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender inside. This dish is not only satisfying but also connects me to my childhood memories of family dinners, making it truly special to share with others.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare for any night of the week
Packed with flavorful ingredients that create a delicious dish
Versatile recipe that allows for creativity with vegetables and sauces

      

Ingredient Insights

The ground beef serves as the protein backbone of this stir fry, providing a rich, savory flavor that complements the dish's seasoning. Choosing a ground beef with a bit of fat, like 80/20, will enhance the overall flavor. If you're aiming for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be easily used, but they may require a bit more seasoning to match the robust taste of beef.

Incorporating fresh vegetables not only adds visual appeal but also elevates the nutrition of the dish. The snap peas bring a slight sweetness and a crunchy texture, while the bell pepper adds both color and a mild peppery flavor. Feel free to swap in broccoli, carrots, or even zucchini if that's what you have at home; just keep your cooking time in mind, as denser vegetables may take a bit longer to cook.

Cooking Technique Tips

When cooking the ground beef, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This prevents it from stewing in its fat and helps achieve those lovely browned bits that add depth to the dish. If the pan seems overcrowded, you might find the meat steaming instead of searing, so consider cooking in batches if necessary.

After adding garlic and ginger, keep an eye on the heat. You want them to become fragrant without burning, which can happen quickly. Cooking these aromatics for just one minute at medium heat is ideal; they should become glossy but not browned, to avoid any bitter flavors that can overwhelm the dish.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 inches ginger, grated
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

4 cups cooked rice
Sesame seeds (optional) for garnish

Combine all ingredients and prepare for cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients, and make sure the vegetables are chopped and ready to go. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5 minutes until browned.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Vegetables

Toss in the bell pepper and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the soy sauce over the stir fry and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your quick and delicious stir fry!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference or what you have available. Broccoli, carrots, or even zucchini work great in this stir fry.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry is best served immediately over steaming hot cooked rice, which absorbs the flavors of the dish wonderfully. For a fun twist, consider serving it in lettuce wraps instead of rice for a low-carb alternative. Just make sure to chop your ingredients small enough to fit comfortably in the wraps.

For added texture and taste, you can top your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds, crunchy cashews, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These additions give a bright contrast to the savory elements of the dish, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're meal prepping, you can make the stir fry ahead of time. Cook and cool the beef and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce to reinvigorate the flavors.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked stir fry in portions. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, allowing it to be kept for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can replace ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add a teaspoon of chili sauce or some sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick!

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time, just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

→ What type of rice is best for stir fry?

You can use any type of rice, but jasmine or basmati rice works particularly well because of their fragrant qualities.