Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal packed with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those who love a hearty, healthy stir fry loaded with fresh ingredients.

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

1. 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 fully dissolved, then whisk this into the stir fry sauce.
2. Step 2: Heat a large, high-sided skillet with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, drain any excess grease or liquid, and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet, then add the zucchini, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, and diced red onion. Stir occasionally and cook for 4–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap out the vegetables with snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for variety and personal preference.
• For a spicier kick, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles to create a complete meal.
• If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.

Storage

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot, stirring occasionally. Avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables tender-crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil. Keep in mind the sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, so adding a small amount of toasted sesame seeds can help mimic the taste.

Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This Ground Beef and Pepper Stir Fry is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring lean ground beef sautéed with colorful vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and red onion. Tossed in a savory-sweet soy sauce mixture with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sriracha, this stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

• 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

Other

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger (or ground ginger), and optional sriracha for heat. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved, then whisk this slurry into the soy sauce mixture to create a smooth sauce.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, heating until shimmering.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Using a spatula, break it apart and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove the meat from the skillet and drain any excess grease or liquid. Set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the zucchini, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, and diced red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes or until the vegetables become tender but still retain some crunch.
5. Combine Meat and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over everything. Toss well to coat all ingredients in the sauce. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly glaze the stir fry.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the sriracha amount or add red pepper flakes.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to make this recipe lower in sodium.
• Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain a nice crunch and vibrant colors.
• Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Keywords: ground beef stir fry, beef and pepper stir fry, quick beef stir fry, Asian beef stir fry, healthy stir fry recipe