If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant colors, incredible flavors, and a wholesome mix of textures, you absolutely need to try this Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that balances tender ground beef with crisp green beans and sweet bell peppers, all brought together by a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Whether you’re after a weeknight winner or a flavorful meal prep option, this stir fry hits all the right notes with fresh ingredients and easy steps that make cooking fun and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a key role in delivering the taste, texture, and color that make this Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe so memorable. From the fresh snap of green beans to the richness of ground beef, every component contributes to a balanced and exciting plate.
- Cooking spray: Helps to lightly grease the pan without adding extra oil, keeping the dish lighter.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided: Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor, enhancing the stir fry’s richness.
- 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Provides a satisfying crunch and bright green color for visual appeal.
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Introduces sweetness and vibrant red tones to the mix.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a savory base to elevate the flavor combination.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: The hearty protein component that makes the dish fulfilling and savory.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers punchy, aromatic notes essential for an authentic stir fry taste.
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that brings a slightly sweet, salty umami seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the savory and spicy flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger): Brings a warm, slightly spicy zing that lifts the entire dish.
- ½ – 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Adds heat and complexity; adjust this based on your spice tolerance.
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for serving): Provides a comforting base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Give a final nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and coating it lightly with cooking spray and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Toss in the green beans, bell pepper slices, and onions, allowing them to cook until the green beans are just tender but still crisp, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and vibrant color retention. Once done, transfer these flavorful veggies to a separate warm bowl to keep them fresh and ready for the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Return your skillet to the stove, spray it again lightly, and add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up and cook for about 6 minutes. Stir frequently so it browns evenly without drying out. When the beef is no longer pink, toss in your minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more to release its wonderful aroma. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat at this point to keep your stir fry healthy and clean-tasting.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Beef
Add the last teaspoon of sesame oil to the beef, then pour in the coconut aminos. Sweeten things up with honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle in your grated ginger. Add the chili garlic sauce according to how spicy you want your stir fry. Mix everything thoroughly so each bite becomes a perfect marriage of salty, sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes.
Step 4: Finish by Mixing in the Vegetables
Stir the cooked green beans, bell peppers, and onions back into the beef mixture. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the veggies to warm right through. After removing from the heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds for that extra nutty crunch if you want to go the extra mile with presentation and texture.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
While sesame seeds add texture, you can also try chopped green onions or even a squeeze of fresh lime to introduce a fresh brightness. These subtle additions brighten the dish visually and add complementary flavors that elevate each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of white rice for classic comfort, brown rice for a nuttier taste, or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. A simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or steamed dumplings would round out your meal perfectly for a family feast or casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe in individual mini wok bowls or even lettuce cups for a fun twist. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro adds a burst of green and freshness that guests will notice and appreciate. A drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce on top adds eye-catching color and a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your meal prep further, freeze your stir fry in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the moisture in the vegetables and beef, keeping the stir fry tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add in vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or carrots depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. This recipe is very adaptable.
Is coconut aminos the same as soy sauce?
Coconut aminos is a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The heat level depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce you use. Start with a conservative ½ teaspoon if you’re sensitive to spice and add more to taste for a bolder kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Adjust cooking times accordingly for these ingredients.
What rice works best with this dish?
Any rice you prefer works well, whether white, brown, or cauliflower rice. The key is to have a neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce and complements the stir fry without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to create a delicious, colorful, and hearty meal like this Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days or when you want comfort food with a fresh twist. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes!
PrintGround Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Bell Peppers Recipe
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry featuring tender green beans, crisp bell peppers, and onions, all cooked in toasted sesame oil and seasoned with garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, and a touch of chili garlic sauce. Perfect served over your choice of rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
- 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
- ½ – 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (such as Huy Fong or Lee Kum Kee brand)
For Serving
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
For Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, spray with cooking spray and add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Swirl the pan to coat evenly.
- Cook vegetables: Add trimmed green beans, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7-8 minutes until green beans are just tender.
- Keep vegetables warm: Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and place them in a shallow bowl or plate. Cover with another plate to retain heat.
- Cook the ground beef: Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Spray again with cooking spray, then add the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aroma. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed.
- Combine flavors: Return the skillet with cooked beef to the stove. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil, coconut aminos, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish with vegetables: Stir the warm cooked vegetables back into the beef mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve the beef and vegetable stir fry over your choice of cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute bell peppers and green beans with other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for variety.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and drain excess fat after cooking to make the dish lighter.
- If coconut aminos are unavailable, low sodium soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
