This quick and easy stir-fry is packed with flavor and nutrition. Ground beef is cooked with a colorful medley of vegetables and seasoned with a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- Vegetables:
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Oil:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic and ginger. Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar (or honey), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Tips and Notes:
- Vegetable Variations: You can use other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Protein Variations: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of ground beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar (or honey) to your preference.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Wok vs. Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will also work.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry!