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Spice up your boring ground beef dinner routine with Thai Basil Beef, which is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. It is a simple one-skillet dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes. So forget about takeout and whip up a delicious Thai-inspired dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

A skillet filled with a stir-fried dish including rice, ground beef, red bell peppers, green onions, and lime wedges on top, with a garnish of sesame seeds and cilantro, on a red checkered tablecloth.

This stir-fry features savory ground beef, fragrant basil leaves, and a touch of heat. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, incredibly simple yet irresistibly satisfying.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors – savory ground beef, sweet red pepper, spicy habanero chiles, and the aromatic magic of Thai basil. It is a quick weeknight ground beef recipe that is anything but boring.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to make this dish a success, from ingredient tips to step-by-step instructions and even some fun serving ideas. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Are you looking for more fun weeknight ground beef recipes? Try my recipes for taco meatloaf, mini tacos, or French onion casserole.

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🥘Ingredient Notes

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

Lean ground beef: I like using lean meat to keep things healthier. You can also swap it out for ground turkey or chicken.
Shallots
Red pepper
Garlic
Habanero chiles: If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, you can tone it down by using fewer chiles or opting for a milder variety.
Fish sauce
Brown sugar
Lime juice and zest
Basil: Use Thai basil if you can find it. Its slightly anise-like flavor is unique and delicious. Regular basil will work, but if you can get your hands on the Thai variety, do it.
Green onions

Chopped shallots, red peppers, habanero chiles, garlic, green onions, lime juice and zest, fish sauce, and lean ground beef on a cutting board.

🥣How to Make Thai Basil Beef

Start by adding a teaspoon of oil to your skillet. I love using my cast-iron skillet for this recipe—it gives everything a nice sear.
Add the ground beef and diced shallots to the skillet. Cook over medium to high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fully cooked, and the shallots are soft and translucent.
Toss in the red pepper, garlic, and sliced habanero chiles. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant. Stir frequently to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn. This step is crucial for building those layers of flavor.
Slowly add the fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Then, add the Thai basil and cook for about a minute until it’s just wilted.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on how the flavors balance out, I sometimes add a bit more lime juice or a pinch of sugar.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Ground beef with diced onions being cooked and stirred in a pan. — Cook the ground beef.

Sautéed ground meat with sliced red bell peppers and a spoonful of minced garlic in a pan, being stirred with a red spatula. — Add the remaining ingredients.

🍴Serving Ideas

Thai Basil Beef is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to enjoy it. The classic is to serve it over jasmine rice. The fluffy rice soaks up all the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, making every bite delicious.

For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the beef in crisp lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce or romaine leaves work great. Spoon the beef mixture into the leaves, and you have a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal.

This beef is also fantastic over a bed of noodles. Rice noodles or even spaghetti work well. Toss the noodles in some sauce before piling on the meat.

Stuff the beef into pita pockets or wraps for a quick and portable meal. Add some fresh veggies like cucumber, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick.

💭How to Store

Place any leftover beef in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or stovetop. Adding a splash of water helps keep it moist when reheating.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the beef. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop.

A skillet with cooked ground beef, red bell peppers, green onions, and herb garnishes sits on a red checkered tablecloth, with a lime cut into quarters placed on top. Plates are in the background.

⭐Tips

Be sure to check out the step by step instructions

Fresh garlic, shallots, and basil make a world of difference in this recipe. They add vibrant flavors that dried or pre-chopped versions can’t match.
Habanero chiles pack quite a punch! If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, start with one chile and taste as you go. You can also switch them out for jalapenos or skip them entirely if you aren’t a fan of heat.
The key to this dish is balancing the salty fish sauce, sweet brown sugar, and tangy lime juice. Taste it before serving and adjust it to your liking.
Add the Thai basil at the end to preserve its unique flavor and aroma. Overcooking it can make it lose its vibrant taste.
Like most stir-fries, this dish comes together quickly, so prepping all your ingredients and being ready to go is key. Dice the shallots, chop the garlic, and slice the chiles before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and stress-free.

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A cast iron skillet with rice, ground meat, red bell peppers, green onions, and lime wedges on top, placed on a red and white checkered cloth. Plates are visible in the background.

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