Get ready for a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice is a warm, satisfying meal that fits busy weeknights, simple homemade meals, or anyone who loves bold, quick dinners. If you want something fast and comforting, this easy recipe delivers tender, spicy beef, bright garlic veggies, and fluffy rice layered into one bowl. For a riff on flavors and prep, check this handy Korean ground beef bowl recipe for ideas: Korean ground beef bowl recipe.
Table of Contents
Why This One’s a Keeper
This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice lands because it blends speed and comfort. The spicy ground beef packs hearty protein and savory depth while the garlic-sautéed vegetables add freshness and crunch. It’s great for busy parents, single cooks, and anyone looking for a weeknight dish that feels special without fuss. Emotionally, it comforts and satisfies, the aroma of garlic and chilies fills the kitchen and the steaming rice pulls everything together. Practically, it uses pantry staples, cooks in one skillet plus a pot of rice, and scales easily for meal prep or leftovers.
Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and cook rice according to package directions so it’s hot and steamy when you serve.
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and edges start to brown, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Pour sauce over beef, stir well, and simmer for 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper.
- Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add a splash of oil and add bell pepper and broccoli. Cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Mix with beef and heat through.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the pan, toss in green onions, and check seasoning. Add more soy or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Spoon steamy rice into bowls, top with the spicy beef and garlic veggies, and sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Notes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice:
- 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean (or 90% for less fat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds bright flavor)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (or mixed stir-fry veggies)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1–2 tbsp gochujang or chili garlic sauce (adjust heat)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (brightens the sauce)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (balances heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional finishing touch)
- 3 cups cooked rice, warm (jasmine or short-grain recommended)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium pot or rice cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare rice: Rinse and cook rice according to package directions so it’s hot and steamy when you serve your Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Set aside.
Cook aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and edges start to brown, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Combine beef and sauce: Pour sauce over beef, stir well, and simmer 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauté veggies: Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add a splash of oil and add bell pepper and broccoli. Cook 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Mix with beef and heat through.
Finish: Drizzle sesame oil over the pan, toss in green onions, and check seasoning. Add more soy or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Build bowls: Spoon steamy rice into bowls, top with the spicy beef and garlic veggies, and sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Use medium-high heat to get nice browning on the beef for deeper flavor in your Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Prefer less spice? Start with 1/2 tbsp chili sauce and taste as you go.
To keep veggies crisp, don’t overcook; they should be bright and slightly firm.
For leaner protein, swap ground beef for ground turkey, but add a touch more oil to prevent dryness.
If rice dries out, sprinkle a few drops of water and microwave covered to steam it back.
No gochujang? Mix chili paste with a little miso and brown sugar for similar depth.
If the dish tastes flat, a squeeze of lime or extra rice vinegar wakes it up.
Serving Suggestions
Best ways to serve your Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice: family-style bowls with extra chili sauce on the side and lime wedges.
Pairings: quick cucumber salad, pickled carrots, or simple miso soup.
Simple variations: swap broccoli for bok choy, add a fried egg on top, or sprinkle crushed peanuts for texture.
For a lighter bowl, serve over mixed greens or cauliflower rice.
Here’s another flavor idea that pairs well if you like cabbage and Asian-style seasonings: Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store components of your Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cooked beef and sauce freeze well up to 2 months; cool, pack in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth, or microwave covered until heated through.
Nutrition Notes
This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice delivers protein from ground beef, fiber and vitamins from vegetables, and satisfying carbs from rice. Use leaner beef and brown rice for more fiber. Swapping in extra veggies raises vitamin and mineral content and keeps calories balanced.
Food Safety
Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Thaw frozen portions in the fridge, not at room temperature, then reheat thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and check your gochujang for gluten. Swap rice vinegar and other condiments that are labeled gluten-free for safety.
How do I reduce the spice without losing flavor?
Cut the chili paste in half and add a touch more brown sugar or a squeeze of citrus to balance heat while preserving depth of flavor.
What are quick veggie substitutes if I don’t have broccoli?
Use snap peas, green beans, bok choy, or thinly sliced zucchini. Add firmer vegetables earlier and delicate ones at the end for even cooking.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes. Store beef and veggies separately from rice. Assemble bowls the day you eat to keep rice fluffy and veggies crisp.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well and keeps the dish lighter. Add a bit more oil to prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking.
Conclusion
I hope this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice brings comfort and joy to your table. If you liked the idea of swapping proteins, check out these tasty Ground Turkey Bowls: Ground Turkey Bowls – Chelsea’s Messy Apron. Give this amazing Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice a try, it’s a simple homemade meal, an easy recipe for busy nights, and a weeknight dish that pleases a crowd.