Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
📝 Recipe Description:
This Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a savory, colorful, and nutrient-packed dish that blends lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and soy sauce. It’s quick to cook, full of texture, and can be served on its own or over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. A perfect go-to when you want something healthy and fast.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
Optional additions:
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
- Chili flakes or sriracha for heat
🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 7–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics (Optional but Recommended):
- Add garlic and ginger if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Veggies:
- Stir in red onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes.
- Flavor It Up:
- Add soy sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve hot as is, or over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
👨👩👧 Servings:
- Makes about 4 servings as a main dish.
🍽️ Tips & Notes:
- Cucumber twist: If you prefer a firmer texture, add cucumber raw just before serving.
- Low-carb version: Serve on lettuce leaves or with cauliflower rice.
- More sauce? Double the soy sauce and add 1 tbsp oyster sauce for a richer glaze.
- Boost nutrition: Add shredded carrots, spinach, or zucchini.
- Meal prep friendly: Great for prepping lunches — stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
🧠 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: Adjusts based on fat content of beef and added oils or sauces.
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Beef: High-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins for energy and muscle support.
- Bell peppers & tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration.
- Onions & green onions: Anti-inflammatory and great for immune health.
- Cucumber: Hydrating, low in calories, and refreshing in stir-fries.
- Soy sauce (moderate use): Adds umami flavor with minimal effort.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use other meats?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu work great.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Just leave out cucumber or add it fresh when reheating.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Rice, quinoa, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Would you like this as a downloadable recipe card or want a vegetarian version too? I got you!