Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice has always taken me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, that warm, golden light on a chilly evening, the sound of sizzling beef, and the scent of garlic filling the air. It was simple food that brought everyone to the table.
At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, Sam’s journey began with these same comforting meals dishes built around fresh ingredients and family togetherness. After cooking in diners and street food stalls around the world, Sam discovered that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. This Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice is a perfect example: quick, wholesome, and satisfying.
If you love hearty one-pan recipes like our High Protein Hamburger Helper or family favorites from our Popular Dinner Recipes, you’ll fall for this dish instantly.
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers that savory, umami-packed comfort everyone craves on busy nights.
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Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and comforting one-pan dinner made with savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice tossed in a rich, umami-packed stir-fry sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season with black pepper and chili flakes and cook until browned and caramelized.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and grated ginger.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Add cooked rice and break up any clumps.
- Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until rice absorbs the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use cold, day-old rice for best texture. Cook in a wide pan to avoid steaming and keep ingredients moving for perfect stir-fry results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Serves 4 – Ready in 25 minutes)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (day-old rice preferred)
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mild umami alternative)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tip: Cold, day-old rice fries beautifully and keeps its texture, ideal for this Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Create the Base
Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. This forms the flavorful base of your stir fry.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Sprinkle black pepper and chili flakes. Let it cook until all moisture evaporates and the beef develops a deep, caramelized flavor.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables
Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, and ginger. Stir for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp yet vibrant. The contrast between the tender beef and crisp vegetables makes this Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice so satisfying.
Step 4 – Add the Sauce
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well until everything is coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 5 – Add the Rice
Add your cooked rice and use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes until the rice absorbs the sauce and turns slightly golden. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice fries perfectly, fresh rice tends to get mushy.
- Cook in a Wide Pan: Give your ingredients space to sear instead of steam.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste your sauce before adding more soy or oyster sauce.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: A teaspoon of honey adds balance and enhances the savory notes.
- Cook Quickly: Stir-frying is all about heat and speed, keep ingredients moving!
If you enjoy easy meals like this, try the Quick Chicken Wrap Recipes for a fresh lunch idea or the One-Pan Sausage and Potatoes Dinner for another crowd-pleasing dinner.
Variations
1. Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free umami sauce. The flavor remains deep and rich.
2. Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter yet equally flavorful option.
3. Add More Veggies
Mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas fit beautifully here. Add them during Step 3 for color and crunch.
4. Make It Sweet & Spicy
A teaspoon of honey and a pinch of chili flakes create the perfect sweet-heat balance.
5. Vegetarian Alternative
Replace beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist without losing protein.
If you like fusion-style comfort food, the Spicy Ramen Lasagna and Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese are also quick, family-approved dinners packed with flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in a skillet with a tablespoon of water.
- Reheat: For best texture, reheat on medium heat, never microwave for too long or the rice will dry out.
You can also portion it for weekly meal prep alongside ideas like Taco Lunch Meal Prep, making busy weeks stress-free.
Why Readers Love This Recipe
This Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice hits all the marks, flavor-packed, affordable, and lightning-fast. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet perfect for meal prep. The tender beef, crisp veggies, and savory sauce come together to create a balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
If you enjoy cozy comfort dishes like our Old-Fashioned Goulash, this stir fry will quickly become one of your family’s weeknight staples.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice gives the perfect texture and prevents clumping.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely, just use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef.
3. What’s the best beef to use?
Lean ground beef (around 85%) browns beautifully without excess grease.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Add more chili flakes or drizzle chili oil before serving.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan and losing that stir-fry texture.
Conclusion
This Fast Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice brings together everything you love about homemade cooking, comfort, flavor, and speed. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with color. With just one pan and everyday ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in under half an hour.
At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, we believe food should feel good, easy to make, delightful to eat, and something worth sharing. For more quick and cozy dinner inspiration, visit our Popular Dinner Recipes and discover how simple cooking can be joyful every day.