Fried Ground Beef with Mixed Vegetables Recipe

 Fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, fried ground beef with vegetables is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or healthy meal prepping. This easy dish combines seasoned ground beef with a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and onions — all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Serve it over rice, quinoa, pasta, or wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option. With rich flavor and satisfying texture, this recipe is a go-to for quick, balanced meals.

Ingredients

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if using very lean beef, you might need a bit more) in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's fully browned and no pink remains.
3. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any remaining fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. If the pan looks dry, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and the denser vegetables first (like carrots, broccoli, green beans). Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly but are still crisp-tender.
4. Add the faster-cooking vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cabbage). Continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until all vegetables are tender-crisp to your liking.

Step 3: Combine and Season

1. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and the soy sauce.
3. Stir in the dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir everything together well, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and seasonings. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want more soy sauce, salt, or pepper.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Serve the Fried Ground Beef with Mixed Vegetables immediately.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes, if desired. This dish is excellent served over:

• Steamed rice (white or brown)
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

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Extra Tips for Success

• Vegetable Variety: Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! Other great options include corn, peas (add frozen peas towards the end of cooking), bok choy, snap peas, or potatoes (dice small and add earlier with carrots).
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn't large enough to hold all the vegetables in a single layer, cook them in batches to ensure they sauté rather than steam.
• Prevent Soggy Veggies: Cook vegetables until "tender-crisp" – they should still have a slight bite to them. Overcooking can make them mushy.
• Flavor Boosts: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of ginger (freshly grated or ground) or a splash of Worcestershire sauce (check ingredients for no prohibited items) when you add the soy sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

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Nutritional Value 

(per serving, based on 4 servings, using lean ground beef and mixed common vegetables)

Benefits 

• ✅ High in Protein and Fiber: A well-balanced dish with essential nutrients.
• ✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
• ✅ Customizable: Use any mix of seasonal or leftover vegetables.
• ✅ One-Pan Cleanup: Minimal dishes and easy prep.
• ✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.