Name: Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85% lean); 3 cups cooked white rice; 1 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 ½ cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for garnish); 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for stir-frying)

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, colorful, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl is calling your name. Juicy ground beef gets simmered in a bold, chili-forward sauce, nestled alongside sautéed garlic veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli, all resting on a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal but takes just about 30 minutes to throw together.

What makes this bowl really stand out is the perfect balance of heat, savory depth, and freshness. The beef is cooked down with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar to bring out those umami-rich notes, while the vegetables are quickly stir-fried to keep their bite and color. Top it all off with a pinch of red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a satisfying bowl that hits every note—spicy, savory, and a little sweet.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, opt for 85% lean ground beef. It has enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful, without being overly greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you’re aiming for a lighter version, but beef brings a bold richness that really complements the stir-fry sauce.

Ingredients for the Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl

Ground Beef (85% lean): The heart of the dish, offering rich, savory depth and soaking up all the spicy sauce beautifully.

Cooked White Rice: A neutral, fluffy base that balances the heat and makes this bowl satisfying.

Zucchini: Adds moisture and a mild sweetness. Slices cook quickly and absorb flavor well.

Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they deepen the umami element in every bite.

Red Bell Pepper: For a slight crunch and natural sweetness that plays against the spicy beef.

Broccoli Florets: Brings freshness and fiber, while giving the dish some structure and vibrant color.

Garlic: Key to building flavor in both the beef and the veggie stir-fry.

Soy Sauce: Salty and rich, it forms the base of the stir-fry sauce.

Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances the heat and rounds out the sauce.

Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: The main source of heat—adjust depending on how spicy you like it.

Sesame Oil (optional): Adds a nutty, toasty aroma right at the finish.

Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle on top for extra kick and visual flair.

How To Make the Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and chop all vegetables: slice the zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell pepper; cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic. Cook your rice according to package directions so it’s ready to go.

Step 2: Sear the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and toss in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Flavor the Beef

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so it soaks in all the spicy, savory flavor.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In a separate skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over high heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, just until the veggies are tender-crisp. Add garlic in the last minute for that punch of flavor. Optional: Finish with a few drops of sesame oil.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Spoon a generous portion of white rice into each bowl. Top with the spicy ground beef and stir-fried garlic veggies. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for added heat and serve immediately.

How to Serve and Store Your Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl

Serve this stir-fry bowl hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. It’s perfect as a complete meal on its own, but you can jazz it up with toppings like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option or toss it with noodles instead of rice.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool completely. Transfer the beef, veggies, and rice into separate airtight containers to keep textures intact. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm the rice and beef together in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Veggies reheat best in a quick stir-fry to maintain their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen stir-fry blends work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s medium-spicy, but you can totally adjust the heat by using less chili garlic sauce or sriracha—or add more if you love the burn!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook everything ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. It makes excellent meal prep lunches too.

What can I use instead of white rice?

Try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles for a delicious twist. Even quinoa works well for a protein-packed option.

Is this gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check your chili sauce ingredients.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the beef in batches so it browns instead of steams.

Want More Easy Dinner Bowl Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl, here are more crave-worthy bowls and savory meals you’ll want to try next:

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a comfort-filled weeknight win.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cozy pasta fix.
• Texan Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for something buttery and bold.
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for double the garlic love.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry for a lighter, herb-packed twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s right there when the craving strikes again: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavier on the heat? Swap the rice for noodles? I love hearing your twists and tips—and questions are always welcome.

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

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful, weeknight-friendly stir-fry bowl featuring spicy ground beef simmered in garlic soy sauce, served alongside sautéed vegetables and steamy white rice. Bold, colorful, and perfectly balanced with heat, umami, and crunch.

Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables: slice zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, and cut broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic.

2. Cook white rice according to package directions.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.

4. Lower heat to medium and stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

5. In a separate pan or wok, heat oil over high heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp. Stir in garlic in the final minute. Add sesame oil if using.

6. Assemble the bowls: start with rice, then add beef and veggies. Top with red pepper flakes. Serve hot.