Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried ground beef with colorful bell peppers and zucchini, seasoned with garlic and cumin for a satisfying Whole30 meal. This american-inspired beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, large, thinly sliced red bell pepper, large, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium zucchini cut into half-moons. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes