Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice

Spicy Ground Beef Rice Bowls are the perfect blend of bold flavor and everyday convenience. Featuring well-seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a spicy, savory sauce served over fluffy jasmine rice, this quick and hearty meal is ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a spice lover or just want a satisfying rice bowl dinner, this dish hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in just over 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.

• Customizable heat: Adjust the spice to your liking with more or less chili paste and sriracha.

• Balanced flavors: Sweet, salty, spicy, and savory all come together in a single bowl.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

• Endlessly versatile: Add your favorite toppings, swap proteins, or serve with more veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• jasmine rice (or your preferred variety)

• water

• soy sauce

• chili paste

• sriracha

• honey

• ground ginger

• sesame oil

• fish sauce

• garlic

• avocado oil (or olive oil)

• lean ground beef

• yellow onion

• bell pepper (any color)

• green onion, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the rice:
   Prepare jasmine rice according to the package directions using a rice cooker or stovetop method.

2. Make the sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, chili paste, sriracha, honey, ground ginger, sesame oil, fish sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.

3. Cook the ground beef:
   Heat avocado oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

4. Add the vegetables:
   Stir in diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

5. Add the sauce:
   Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens and the beef is well coated.

6. Assemble the bowls:
   Divide cooked rice between two bowls. Top each with the spicy beef and vegetable mixture.

7. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with green onion and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes

Variations

• Switch the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, bison, or plant-based alternatives.

• Adjust the heat: For milder flavor, reduce chili paste and sriracha or increase honey.

• Use cauliflower rice: A lower-carb alternative that adds extra veggies.

• Top it off: Add roasted cashews, sesame seeds, soft-boiled egg, or cilantro for more flavor and texture.

• Add more vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for extra nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Freeze rice and beef separately for best results. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great whole grain option, though it will take longer to cook and has a chewier texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s moderately spicy. You can adjust the chili paste and sriracha to make it milder or hotter to your liking.

Can I use ground pork instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground pork works well and adds a different richness to the dish.

What vegetables go well with this bowl?

Bell peppers and onions are in the recipe, but you can also add mushrooms, spinach, carrots, or zucchini.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Cook everything, cool, and store in portions for the week.

What’s the best chili paste to use?

Use your favorite Asian-style chili paste such as sambal oelek. You can also substitute with gochujang for a unique twist.

Is the fish sauce necessary?

It adds umami depth but can be omitted or substituted with soy sauce if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients for four servings. Use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.

Is this gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensuring your chili paste and fish sauce are gluten-free.

What can I serve with this besides rice?

Try serving with noodles, over a baked sweet potato, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Spicy Ground Beef Rice Bowls are a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to bring excitement to your dinner routine. With a satisfying mix of heat, sweetness, and umami, paired with fluffy rice and crunchy veggies, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking up a last-minute dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.