When it comes to weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals, having a few easy meat and vegetable recipes up your sleeve is a total game-changer. These dishes combine the hearty flavors of meat with the nutritional punch of fresh vegetables, creating balanced meals that satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, these recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and versatile.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to customize the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ready to whip up a flavorful, nutritious meal with ease? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect balance of convenience and flavor. It uses common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it ideal for last-minute meal planning.
The combination of tender meat and vibrant vegetables ensures that every bite is satisfying and packed with nutrients.
One-pot cooking means less cleanup, and the recipe’s flexibility allows you to swap in your favorite veggies or protein sources. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or pork, this dish adapts well and can easily be made gluten-free or low-carb depending on your choices.
Plus, this recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be easily doubled to feed a crowd. Don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious recipes like Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe for Easy Dinner to keep your menu fresh and exciting!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast or beef sirloin | 1 lb (450g) | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Bell peppers | 2 medium | Any color, sliced |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Sliced into half-moons |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Thinly sliced or julienned |
| Onion | 1 medium | Thinly sliced |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Low sodium preferred |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs | 1 tsp | Optional but recommended |
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan – Preferably non-stick
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl – For marinating the meat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken or beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables.
- Chop the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onion as described above. Mince the garlic cloves and keep everything ready near your cooking area.
- Heat the skillet: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated meat pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the vegetables: Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic first, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add remaining vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5-6 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and season: Mix the meat and vegetables together in the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce during the final cooking step.
Feel free to swap out the chicken or beef for pork, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you’re interested in plant-based meals, check out our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal for inspiration.
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, or green beans all work beautifully in this dish.
To save time, you can prepare the vegetables the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for quick cooking the next day.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg (varies with soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
This easy meat and vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a full meal. For a wholesome, filling option, serve it over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try it with a side salad or steamed green beans. You can also wrap the mix in warm tortillas for a quick meat and veggie wrap — perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
For homemade tortillas, check out our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
For some extra comfort on a chilly evening, pair this dish with a bowl of hearty soup like our Canned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Quick Homemade Meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this easy meat and vegetable recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, nutritious meal. The combination of protein-rich meat and fresh vegetables ensures you get a balanced dish full of flavor and texture.
Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to experiment with different meats, veggies, and seasonings to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike. Don’t forget to explore our other delicious recipes linked above to keep your kitchen adventures exciting and varied.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Meat and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and healthy stir-fry combining tender meat with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate beef with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the pan.
- Stir-fry vegetables for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to vegetables.
- Return beef to the pan and stir well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 12 g
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