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

A Flavorful Weeknight Wonder for Bold Taste Buds

There’s something comforting about a warm, colorful bowl brimming with sizzling flavors, hearty textures, and just the right kick of heat. The Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is exactly that—a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or those cozy evenings when you crave takeout but want something homemade.

Inspired by the dynamic, umami-rich flavors of Asian street food and the satisfying layout of a classic rice bowl, this recipe brings together savory beef, garlicky stir-fried vegetables, and perfectly steamed white rice. It’s everything you want in a bowl—spice, crunch, comfort, and convenience—all in under 30 minutes.

The Inspiration Behind This Stir-Fry Bowl

This dish was born from a late-night craving and a nearly-empty fridge. A bit of ground beef, some leftover vegetables, and a craving for something spicy led to the first version of this bowl. Since then, it’s become a household staple—easy to adapt based on what’s in season or what’s on hand, and always hitting the spot with its bold, crave-worthy flavors.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. The spicy-sweet glaze on the beef, the garlicky sautéed vegetables, and the steamy rice make for a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing. And the best part? You can customize it endlessly based on your diet, mood, or pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Bowl

• Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.

• Packed with flavor – Umami-rich, spicy, garlicky, and slightly sweet.

• Customizable – Swap proteins, switch veggies, or add toppings.

• Meal prep friendly – Stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

• Nutritious and satisfying – A balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 2

• Calories per Serving: ~540

Ingredients

For the Spicy Ground Beef

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

For the Garlic Veggies

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

• 1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

For the Base

• 1 cup steamed white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all vegetables. Mince the garlic, measure out sauces, and have everything ready to go. Stir-frying is a fast process, so mise en place is key.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sesame oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

4. Stir in soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef in a sticky glaze.

5. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic Veggies

1. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Toss in mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes until slightly golden.

4. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring often.

5. Splash in a bit of soy sauce and cook until veggies are tender-crisp, not mushy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

1. Start with a base of hot, steamed white rice.

2. Neatly place the stir-fried beef on one side and arrange the garlic veggies alongside.

3. Optional: Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use day-old rice if possible—it’s less sticky and gives better texture when reheated or stir-fried.

• Don’t overcook the veggies. You want them vibrant and crisp, not soggy.

• Taste and adjust heat. If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce chili flakes. If you love heat, add a squirt of sriracha.

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken – Lighter but still flavorful.

• Tofu or tempeh – Great plant-based alternative.

• Shrimp or sliced beef strips – Adds a different texture and works great with the same sauce.

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Baby corn

• Snow peas

• Spinach or bok choy

• Carrots (julienned or thinly sliced)

• Edamame for added protein

Rice Alternatives

• Brown rice for more fiber

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

• Quinoa for a protein-packed base

Toppings to Elevate Your Bowl

• A fried or poached egg on top adds creaminess and extra protein.

• Chopped scallions or fresh cilantro bring a fresh bite.

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.

• A drizzle of spicy mayo or hoisin sauce enhances the flavor even more.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This stir-fry bowl is fantastic for meal prep. Store each component separately in airtight containers:

• Beef and veggies: Up to 4 days in the fridge

• Rice: Up to 5 days in the fridge

To reheat, microwave each component separately for even warming. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep things moist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~540

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sodium: Varies based on soy sauce used

This bowl provides a great balance of macronutrients, making it ideal for a post-workout meal, a satisfying lunch, or a dinner that doesn’t leave you hungry an hour later.

Make It a Meal Plan Staple

Double the recipe and divide into four containers for a week’s worth of lunches. Rotate in different vegetables or swap proteins to keep it interesting. It’s one of those recipes that never gets boring, especially when paired with fresh toppings or a new sauce twist.

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

---

• Author: Gabriel Stone
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Looking for a quick, satisfying meal packed with bold flavor? This spicy ground beef stir-fry bowl is perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but crave takeout vibes. Juicy ground beef is simmered in a sweet and spicy glaze, paired with garlic-sautéed vegetables, and served over a comforting bed of steamed rice. It’s a balanced bowl that’s as customizable as it is delicious.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

For the Veggies:

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

• 1/2 zucchini, sliced

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

For the Base:

• 1 cup steamed white rice

---

Instructions

• Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them. Mince the garlic. Measure out all sauces and seasonings.

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

• Stir in soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

• In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

• Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.

• Add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce and toss well.

• To serve, place hot steamed rice into bowls. Arrange beef and vegetables neatly on top or side by side.

• Spoon any extra sauce over the bowl for added flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.

• Top with a fried egg for added protein and richness.

• For more heat, drizzle with sriracha or add extra chili flakes.

• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to adjust to your dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes