Ground Beef Veggie Bowl

This quick ground beef veggie stir-fry bowl has become my weeknight dinner salvation when time is short but I still want something nourishing and delicious. The combination of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice creates a perfectly balanced meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something substantial but had zero energy for elaborate cooking. My family was surprised by how much flavor I managed to pack into such a simple dish, and it's now in our regular rotation.

Ingredients

• White rice: Provides the perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors. For best results, rinse it well before cooking for fluffier texture.
• Ground beef: Brings satisfying protein and savory depth. Look for 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and nutrition.
• Broccoli florets: Add vibrant color and crucial vitamins. Choose heads with tight, dark green florets for maximum freshness.
• Red bell pepper: Contributes sweetness and vitamin C. Select peppers that feel heavy for their size with glossy, firm skin.
• Zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle flavor. Medium-sized zucchini offer the best texture and less seeds.
• Mushrooms: Create meaty texture and umami notes. Cremini varieties offer more flavor than white button mushrooms.
• Onion: Forms the aromatic foundation. Yellow onions work best for their balanced sweetness when cooked.
• Soy sauce: Ties everything together with its rich umami punch. Opt for low sodium if watching salt intake.
• Sesame oil: Adds distinctive nutty flavor. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.

How To Make Ground Beef Veggie Stir-Fry Bowl

Cook the rice:

Start by cooking your rice according to package directions. This can be done ahead of time if you prefer. For best results, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and ensures perfectly fluffy grains. Let the cooked rice rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Brown the beef:

Heat a skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Allow it to brown for about 5 minutes until no pink remains. Season with a tablespoon of soy sauce and freshly ground black pepper. The beef should develop a rich color and fragrant aroma as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir fry the vegetables:

In a separate pan or wok, heat olive oil or sesame oil until shimmering. Add onions first and cook for 1 minute until translucent. Then add harder vegetables like broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Finally add softer vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper. Stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are bright and crisp tender. Be careful not to overcook they should maintain some bite.

Assemble your bowl:

Start with a base layer of warm rice at the bottom of a deep bowl. Arrange the seasoned ground beef over half of the rice. Place the colorful stir fried vegetables over the other half. This creates an appetizing presentation that showcases all components of your meal.

Finish with sauce:

Drizzle everything with additional soy sauce or your favorite stir fry sauce. For extra dimension, add a few drops of sesame oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes. This final touch brings all the flavors together into a cohesive, delicious meal.

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The broccoli is truly the unsung hero of this dish. It soaks up all the savory flavors while maintaining its satisfying crunch. Last summer, I served this to my skeptical teenage nephew who typically avoids anything green, and even he asked for seconds. Sometimes the simplest meals create the most memorable moments around the table.

Storage and Meal Prep

This stir fry bowl is ideal for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch and portion it into containers for lunches throughout the week. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight making leftovers particularly delicious. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out and microwave until steaming hot.

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Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can use crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with the same spices. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice work beautifully as alternatives to white rice. For vegetables, use whatever is in season or needs to be used from your crisper drawer. Snap peas, carrots, cabbage, and spinach all work wonderfully in this flexible formula.

Flavor Variations

While this base recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize the flavor profile to suit different cravings. For a Korean inspired bowl, add a tablespoon of gochujang paste to the beef and top with kimchi. Create a Japanese version by using a teriyaki glaze and sprinkling with furikake seasoning. For Thai flavors, add a splash of fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh basil. The versatility of this format means you can travel the world without leaving your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as a substitute for ground beef. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the protein you choose.

→ What vegetables work best for this dish?

The recipe uses a mix of broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion. Feel free to swap in vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or baby corn depending on your preferences.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as the stir-fry sauce to keep the dish gluten-free. Double-check all packaged ingredients for gluten content.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the rice, beef, and vegetables ahead of time, and store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat and assemble the bowl when ready to serve.

→ What steps can I take to add extra flavor?

For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking. You can also garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds.

→ What cooking oil is best for this dish?

Soybean oil, sesame oil, or olive oil work best. Sesame oil adds a traditional Asian-inspired flavor to enhance the stir-fry.