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Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl Meal Prep

spicy ground beef stir-fry bowl meal prep - featured image

A quick, bold, and healthy meal prep recipe featuring spicy ground beef stir-fried with fresh veggies and served over jasmine or brown rice. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or avocado oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • About 4 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
  • Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook about 1 ½ cups (270g) dry jasmine or brown rice according to package instructions to yield roughly 4 cups cooked. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. While the rice cooks, mince garlic and ginger, slice bell pepper into thin strips, and chop green onions.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add ground beef, crumble it in the pan, and spread out. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a sear, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to preference) and stir to coat the beef evenly. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
  7. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring well. Cook for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce slightly thicken.
  8. Drizzle sesame oil and toss in sliced green onions. Stir off heat to keep flavors vibrant.
  9. Assemble bowls by spooning cooked rice into containers or bowls, then top with the spicy ground beef stir-fry mixture. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.
  10. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Let ground beef brown undisturbed initially for better caramelization. Adjust chili flakes to control heat. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Veggie swaps like shredded cabbage or snap peas work well. Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add sesame oil at the end to preserve its nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy ground beef, stir-fry, meal prep, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy stir-fry, ground beef recipe, spicy beef bowl