Name: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 large carrot, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water; Cooked rice or noodles, for serving; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a hearty, lightning-fast dinner that doesn’t skimp on bold flavors, this Ground Beef Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy, tender ground beef gets tossed in a zesty, savory sauce along with crisp, vibrant vegetables for a meal that’s equal parts nourishing and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you want to use up the veggies in your fridge. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish.
Perfectly customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Delicious sweet-salty-umami flavors with a satisfying stir fry sauce.
Family-friendly and great for meal prepping leftovers.
Everything cooks in one pan for easy clean-up.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 cup broccoli florets
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Remove excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are bright and just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Thicken

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, toss to coat the beef and veggies, and let simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 more minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened. Stir in green onions.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the ground beef stir fry hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Notes & Tips

Chop all veggies before you start cooking for a smooth stir fry experience.
Don’t overcook the vegetables—keeping them crisp adds great texture!
Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the dish’s saltiness.

Variations

Spicy Ground Beef Stir Fry: Add 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Ground Turkey Stir Fry: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground meat and substitute the sauces with vegan-friendly alternatives.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Small mixing bowls

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm in a skillet over medium heat. This stir fry is not recommended for freezing, as the vegetables may become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a classic pairing.
Try over stir-fried noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.
Top with a fried egg for extra richness.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stir Fry

Use freshly grated ginger and garlic for the brightest flavor.
Cook beef in batches if your pan is small—avoid overcrowding for the perfect sear.
Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking (mise en place is key!).

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just add them straight to the pan and stir-fry a minute or two longer until heated through.

Can I make this Ground Beef Stir Fry gluten-free?

Absolutely—use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check your other sauces for hidden gluten.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Cook as directed, cool completely, then portion into meal prep containers with cooked rice or noodles for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4