Ground beef is one of my favorite proteins because it’s budget-friendly, easy to store in the freezer, and incredibly versatile for creating delicious family meals. This Beef & Pepper Stir Fry is a healthy and flavorful way to turn it into a satisfying dish.
The sauce combines simple pantry staples like soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, creating a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Enjoy this ground beef stir fry with your favorite rice and a selection of veggies you love. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s easy to customize!
Beef & Bell Pepper Rice Bowl Ingredients
- 1½ cups uncooked rice
- 2–3 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped garlic
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to the package directions, usually for about 20 minutes on the stovetop. For extra flavor, toast the rice in a pan with a few tablespoons of butter before adding the water. You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of water.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, chop the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Sauté the onions until slightly softened, then add the bell peppers and zucchini. Stir in the chopped garlic during the last minute of cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, keeping the vegetables pushed to the side if needed.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Drain some of the excess grease if desired. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, then stir well. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend together.
Serve over fluffy cooked rice and enjoy! This delicious, well-balanced meal is packed with protein and colorful vegetables while still being easy on your grocery budget. Ground beef also makes meal planning simple—you can stock up when it’s on sale and freeze it to use for future meals.
