Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice

Introduction

This Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is a full-on flavour bomb that balances heat, savoury beef and crisp, garlicky veggies over warm, steamy rice. Imagine the sizzle of garlic hitting the hot pan, the ground beef breaking into juicy crumbles, chilli flakes humming in the background, then bright, crisp veggies added on top. Each bite gives you rice soaked in a spicy-savory sauce, tender beef, and vegetables with crunch. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something bold but straight-forward, or when you’re craving a satisfying bowl of comfort with a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, spicy flavour: The heat from chilli flakes and garlic gives real presence, while the beef brings rich savouriness.
• Quick and easy: One skillet, minimal fuss — perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile with veggies: Use whatever fresh veggies you have and customise the heat or texture.
• Comfort meets spice: The warm rice base keeps it comforting while the stir-fry adds excitement.
• Great for leftovers: Holds up well and reheats beautifully, making it smart for meal-prepping.
• Customisable bowls: Top with fresh herbs, extra chilli, a fried egg or salad mix to make it yours.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil or neutral oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (or mixed vegetables of choice)
• 2–3 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1–2 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (or substitute: apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for finishing)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups cooked steamed rice (white, brown or jasmine)
• Optional toppings: sliced scallions, sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until mostly browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
2. Add aromatics: Once the beef is browned, push aside slightly and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets (or your chosen veggies) to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables start to tenderise but still hold some bite.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chilli flakes, brown sugar and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the beef-veggie mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything.
5. Simmer and finish: Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, coats the ingredients, and the flavours meld. Drizzle sesame oil over the top if using, and adjust salt/pepper or chilli to your liking.
6. Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Spoon the spicy ground beef and veggie stir-fry over the rice.
7. Garnish & serve: Top each bowl with sliced scallions, sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

You Must Know

• Use medium heat for browning the beef initially; high heat may over-brown before flavour develops.
• Don’t overcook the veggies — you want them crisp-tender, not mushy. They should still have texture.
• Adjust chilli flakes carefully — start with the lower amount if you’re unsure about heat.
• If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer with the lid off so it reduces.
• Pre-cook the rice ahead of time or use warm cooked rice to ensure the bowls come together fast.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, make sure to rewarm in a skillet or microwave and add a splash of water or broth if the mixture has dried out. Avoid freezing the rice bowl with veggies and beef if possible, as texture can degrade; if you must freeze, separate rice and topping, then reheat carefully.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground meat alternative: Use ground turkey, chicken or pork instead of beef.
• Vegetable variation: Swap broccoli and bell pepper with zucchini, snap peas, bok choy or carrots.
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Lower-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt until final tasting.
• Less sweet version: Omit brown sugar or substitute with honey/agave and reduce to ½ Tbsp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. A chilled cucumber-mint drink or light lager works beautifully with the spicy flavours. For a low-carb take, skip the rice and serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups.

Pro Tips

• Prep all ingredients (veg chopped, sauce mixed) before you begin cooking — stir-fry moves fast.
• Use a wide skillet or wok so the beef and veggies spread in a single layer and cook evenly.
• After adding sauce, tilt the pan and spoon sauce over the meat and veggies to ensure even coating.
• If plating immediately, keep the rice warm by covering until ready to serve so it doesn’t cool the topping.
• Taste just before serving and adjust one final time — a little extra soy or chilli can elevate the flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead and reheat?
Yes — cook the stir-fry and rice ahead, then store separately. Reheat in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

→ Can I skip the rice for a low-carb option?
Absolutely — serve over cauliflower rice, greens or lettuce wraps instead of traditional rice.

→ How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy by default—starting with 1 tsp chilli flakes—but you can adjust up or down based on your preference.

→ Is this suitable for meal prepping?
Yes — the beef and veggies hold up well in the fridge for several days and reheat cleanly, making it a smart choice for weekly prep.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze the stir-fry topping (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Savour the heat, the savoury beef and crisp veggies in this bowl — this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry delivers bold flavour and satisfying comfort in every bite.