Sometimes, the evening sneaks up on you faster than expected. You’re juggling a few things at once—the day’s last emails, a quick call, maybe a distracted glance at a to-do list that’s growing faster than you can cross things off. That’s when a meal like this high protein ground beef stir-fry feels like an answer you didn’t know you were waiting for. It’s quick, but it doesn’t feel rushed or thrown together. The sizzle of the beef hitting the hot pan, the sweet scent of garlic and onion mingling with the fresh, bright snap of bell peppers and broccoli—those moments pull you in, even if you’re only half paying attention.
I remember the first time I made this, I was chopping veggies while half-listening to a podcast, and somehow the timing was just right. The stir-fry had that perfect balance of savory and fresh without any fuss. There was a tiny moment where I almost forgot to turn off the stove, distracted by a text, but that little slip didn’t ruin anything—it just made me appreciate how forgiving this recipe is. It’s kind of the perfect no-stress meal when you want something hearty without hanging around the kitchen for ages.
- Loaded with protein and a vibrant mix of vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal
- Quick cooking time makes it easy to pull together even on busy evenings
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated techniques or weird ingredients
- Bright flavors with a slight kick from crushed red pepper flakes offer a little excitement without overwhelming
- Leftovers keep well, so you can enjoy this dish again without extra effort
If you’re worried about juggling this recipe with a hectic schedule or picky eaters, don’t be. I’ve found that the combination of familiar ingredients and straightforward flavors tends to please a range of tastes. Plus, it’s forgiving if you want to swap out a veggie or add a little extra spice. It’s one of those meals that quietly adapts to your kitchen rhythm.
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High Protein Ground Beef Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and nutritious high-protein ground beef stir-fry packed with vegetables, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Cook the vegetables with the beef for 5-6 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the stir-fry.
Serve hot as a high-protein main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
When you dive into the kitchen for this stir-fry, you don’t need anything fancy—just a skillet and a decent spatula to break up the beef and get everything cooking evenly. I usually serve it over some steamed rice or even toss it with noodles, depending on what’s in the pantry. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped nuts or a splash of sesame oil at the end, just to mix things up. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping out the parsley for cilantro or adding a squeeze of lime can brighten the whole dish in a new way.
Wondering about storage? This stir-fry keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, which makes it a solid option for lunches or quick dinners later in the week. Just reheat gently so the veggies don’t get too mushy. And if you want to switch up the veggies, I haven’t tested every combo, but spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini might work nicely with the flavors here.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat? Sure! Ground turkey or chicken could work, though the flavor and fat content will vary a bit.
Is this spicy? There’s a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or skip them if you prefer less heat.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can chop the veggies in advance, but cooking fresh keeps the textures crisp and flavors bright.
What can I serve with this stir-fry? Rice, noodles, or even a simple side salad complements it well—whatever feels easy and satisfying.
When a busy day demands something nourishing and straightforward, this high protein ground beef stir-fry is ready when you are. Give it a try and see how quickly it earns a spot in your regular rotation.