Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its colorful veggies and flavorful sauce, this dish is not only easy to make but also offers a balance of protein and nutrients. Whether you serve it over rice or in lettuce cups, it is a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you make Ground Beef Stir Fry? It’s straightforward! This recipe packs a punch of flavor while keeping cooking time minimal, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you want something home-cooked but don’t have a lot of time. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and allows you to use various vegetables, which can help reduce food waste. Finally, the delightful blend of sauces creates a tasty experience that makes every bite enjoyable.

How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients:

1 pound 80-20 ground beef
2 medium zucchini (sliced)
8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella (sliced)
1 carrot julienned
Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (I used GF Tamari)
3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
2 Tbsp real maple syrup
2 garlic cloves (grated or minced)
1 tsp ginger (grated, or use 1 cube frozen ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
1 Tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Brown the Beef: Set a large skillet or wok over medium/high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula for about 5 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, keeping any oil in the pan.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and add all your veggies. Sauté and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is half done and crunchy. Remember, they’ll continue to cook with the sauce, so don’t overcook them!
Add the Ground Beef and Sauce: Put the cooked ground beef back in the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for about two minutes, or until fragrant. The zucchini should be crisp-tender.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. You can serve this dish over freshly cooked rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chives if desired.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry

Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry hot over a bed of fluffy rice or in crisp lettuce wraps. You can also pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Ground Beef Stir Fry

To store Ground Beef Stir Fry, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry

Choose lean ground beef for a lighter dish.
Keep your vegetables crisp to maintain their texture and nutrients.
Feel free to customize the veggies based on what’s in season or available in your fridge.
Taste your sauce before mixing to adjust flavors to your liking.

Variations

You can easily switch up the main protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, switch out the veggies for favorites like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but be aware that they may release liquid during cooking and may result in a softer texture.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the sauce?
Yes! Using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari will keep the dish gluten-free.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the stir fry ahead of time and simply reheat it when you are ready to eat.

Enjoy making your Ground Beef Stir Fry, and make your dining experience a delightful one!

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A quick, delicious, and satisfying meal featuring ground beef and colorful veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound 80-20 ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a lighter dish.
2 medium zucchini, sliced
8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
Chives or green onions, optional for garnish

Sauce Ingredients

3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce Use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free option.
3 Tbsp BBQ sauce Original, sweet, or smoky.
2 Tbsp real maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 tsp ginger, grated Alternatively, use 1 cube frozen ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger.
1 Tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Preparation

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

Cooking

Set a large skillet or wok over medium/high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula for about 5 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, keeping any oil in the pan.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and add all your veggies. Sauté and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is half done and crunchy.
Put the cooked ground beef back in the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for about two minutes, or until fragrant. The zucchini should be crisp-tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Serve over freshly cooked rice or in lettuce cups, garnish with chives if desired.

Notes

To store, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword Easy Recipe, Ground Beef, Healthy Meal, Quick Dinner, Stir Fry