Dinner

Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry Recipe

ByNoah Steele March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Introduction

This ground beef and pepper stir fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce. It combines tender beef with zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots, making a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows a dish with two main layers on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The left half of the plate holds a mound of soft, white rice with a fluffy texture. The right half is covered with a colorful stir-fry mix that has three layers: a layer of cooked ground meat with a brown color and crumbly texture; a layer of large vegetable pieces including bright green broccoli florets, red bell pepper chunks, and yellow-green zucchini slices, all lightly glazed and mixed in; and thin orange carrot strips scattered throughout. The dish looks fresh and vibrant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)

2 cups zucchini (sliced into thick half moons)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)

1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 pound broccoli (cut into small florets)

1/2 red onion (diced)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is dissolved, then whisk this mixture into the stir fry sauce.
Step 2: Heat a large, high-sided skillet with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, drain any grease or excess liquid, and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet, then add the zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the meat and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the stir fry sauce.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.

Add mushrooms or snap peas for additional vegetable variety and texture.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain vegetable texture.