Description
This Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef cooked with fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and red onion, all tossed in a savory soy sauce-based stir fry sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sriracha. It’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 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
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sriracha if using. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch dissolves completely, then whisk this mixture into the soy sauce mixture to create the stir fry sauce.
- Heat the pan: Place a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Remove the beef from the skillet, drain any excess grease or liquid, and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Then add zucchini, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, and diced red onion. Stir occasionally and cook for 4-6 minutes until the vegetables become tender but still crisp.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles if preferred.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
- You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Serving over steamed rice or noodles makes for a complete, filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, beef and vegetable stir fry, quick dinner, Asian stir fry, sesame beef, healthy stir fry
