Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice

Name: Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups cooked rice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Instant Delights

I love whipping up this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rice on busy weeknights when I need something delicious and satisfying in a flash. It’s not only quick to prepare but also allows me to incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables, which makes it both nutritious and visually appealing. The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:58:11.620Z

When I first tried this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry, I was amazed at how flavorful and satisfying it was, considering how fast it came together. The key to success here is to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, which makes the actual stir-frying process seamless and quick. It's a technique I've learned over time, and trust me, it changes everything.

One night, I experimented by adding some leftover bell peppers and broccoli, and it transformed the dish into a colorful feast. The beef absorbs all the sweet and savory flavors from the sauce, creating a dish that’s not just quick, but deeply satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A quick and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes
Versatile recipe for using up leftover vegetables
Savory sauce with a hint of sweetness that complements the beef perfectly

Ingredient Highlights

The key to a great stir fry lies in its ingredients. For this Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry, the ground beef not only provides a hearty protein base but also absorbs the sauces beautifully, creating a rich flavor profile that’s enhanced by the garlic and ginger. If ground beef isn’t available, you could substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing too much in terms of taste and texture.

The inclusion of mixed vegetables adds a vibrant color and essential nutrients to the dish. Bell peppers provide sweetness, while snap peas contribute crunchiness. When selecting your veggies, aim for a variety with contrasting textures. If you have other vegetables on hand like broccoli or zucchini, those work wonderfully too. The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences or whatever is in season.

Cooking Tips

Timing is crucial in a stir fry to achieve that perfectly tender yet crisp veggie texture. When you add the vegetables to the beef, keep the heat on medium-high. This ensures that they cook quickly while retaining their bright colors and crunch. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if your skillet gets too full, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-frying, leading to a less desirable texture.

I highly recommend using day-old rice if possible, as it's drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a sheet pan to cool and dry out for a few minutes before using. This little trick makes a noticeable difference in the final texture, ensuring your stir fry remains light and fluffy.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. If using fresh vegetables, wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover rice, make sure it’s ready to go.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Vegetables and Sauce

Mix in the chopped vegetables, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Add Rice

Finally, add in the cooked rice, stirring everything together to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve the stir fry hot, garnishing with additional soy sauce if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add some chili sauce or flakes when combining the sauces. This stir fry is very adaptable, so don’t hesitate to use your favorite vegetables or even a different protein!

Storage and Reheating

This stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick stir in a skillet over medium heat works best to maintain texture, but you can also use a microwave if in a hurry. Just be sure to cover it to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals to avoid overheating the beef, which can make it tough.

If you're thinking long-term, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, though, that the vegetables might lose some of their original texture upon thawing. To freeze, allow the stir fry to cool completely and then transfer it into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry over a bed of cooked rice for a comforting meal, or try it with quinoa for a nutty flavor and added protein. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding a crunchy element that’s both fun and healthy. If you have some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, chopped on top will brighten the dish.

For a spicy kick, drizzle some sriracha or add sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking. This can elevate the dish significantly if you enjoy a bit of heat. Additionally, feel free to customize the sauce based on your taste; a splash of sesame oil or a few drops of vinegar can add depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great! Just add them directly to the pan and cook a little longer to thaw and heat through.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are excellent alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, or skip the oyster sauce altogether.