Ground Beef Bowl

Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl

July 25, 2025

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl makes the perfect twenty-five minute weeknight meal, and you won't believe the flavor! Served with cauliflower rice, it's a healthy meal you will make again and again.

Ever since my trip to Thailand, I have been head over heels for Thai food. Luckily in Los Angeles, I can find amazing and authentic dishes in Thai Town, but many times I want to create it at home and have more control of the ingredients.

One of my favorite spicy dishes is Thai Holy Basil Beef, or Gai Pad Krapow, so I set out to create a quick and healthier version at home using ground beef since that is what I had on hand. Now, this version isn’t completely traditional, but it sure is delicious.

Since not everyone is lucky enough to have great Thai places nearby, let's start with what this dish is. Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry (or chicken) is a traditional Thai dish made with meat, Thai holy basil, garlic, Thai chili peppers, soy sauce, and sugar. Some versions also use oyster sauce.

It's traditionally served as street food and is super popular. It can be made with chicken, beef, or pork, and many times you will see versions with tofu as well. 

Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl

Recipe by: Kristen McCaffrey of Slender Kitchen
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.33 lb. 95% lean ground beef
  • 4 scallions
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cups asparagus, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 2 tsp. Asian garlic chili paste (like sambal oelek)
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil
  • 1 cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil (or olive oil)

Directions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower rice. Chop the cauliflower into florets and add to a food processor with the onion and garlic. Pulse into fine rice like pieces. You may have to do this in batches depending on your food processor. To cook, saute the cauliflower rice in 1 tbsp. coconut oil over medium heat until soft. You can also microwave it for 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add the beef to a hot nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Brown and break up the larger chunks as you go until no longer pink.
  3. Add in the garlic, ginger, green onions, and asparagus. Cook until the asparagus is just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the soy sauce, chili paste, and basil. Cook for 30 seconds and remove from heat. Taste and season as needed with additional soy or chili sauce.
  5. Serve the Thai Basil Beef over the cauliflower rice.

Nutritional Info (2 cups)

Calories 300; Carbohydrates 14 grams; Fat 12 grams; Protein 38 grams

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com.

Ground Beef Bowl
Kristen Mccaffrey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen McCaffrey makes a variety of healthy and delicious recipes that she shares on her website, SlenderKitchen.com. Before diving into the world of healthy cooking, she struggled to lose weight, eat well, and find a healthy balance in her life. She has always been in love with food and enjoys healthy recipe development. Kristen is passionate about cooking and creating delicious recipes that encourage other people to eat healthy. See more recipes from Kristen!
Recipe Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific brands and ingredient amounts used. If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies or a nutrition plan that you are following, make sure to read the ingredient list prior to consumption. All information on ObesityHelp.com is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact a medical professional with any questions or concerns.