Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Weeknight Classic Full of Flavor and Comfort

Some of the best meals aren’t the fanciest—they’re the ones you whip up after a long day, with whatever’s in the fridge, hoping to nourish your family and maybe spark a smile. That’s where this ground beef stir fry comes in. It’s more than just a quick dinner. It’s a lifeline on busy weeknights and a reminder that comfort food can be nutritious, satisfying, and simple.

This dish was born in my kitchen one Wednesday evening when I had a pound of ground beef, a drawer full of veggies that needed using, and no time for a grocery run. The result was unexpectedly delicious—tender beef mingled with bright, crisp vegetables in a garlicky, gingery sauce that clung to everything in just the right way. It instantly became a regular in our home, especially when served over fluffy jasmine rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Inspired by the flavors of Asian-style stir fry but adapted for everyday ingredients, this version is flexible, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re clearing out the fridge or prepping lunches for the week, this ground beef stir fry has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and fuss-free: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy night.
• Customizable: Use any combination of vegetables you have on hand.
• Family-friendly: Mild, rich flavors that kids and adults love alike.
• Healthy-ish comfort food: Balanced with protein and veggies, and adaptable for gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free needs.
• Budget-friendly: Made with accessible ingredients that are easy to keep stocked.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (85–90% lean)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups sugar snap peas or snow peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• For the Sauce:
  • ½ cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
• Optional toppings:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
• To serve:
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or cauliflower rice)
  • Or rice noodles or lettuce cups

HOW TO MAKE Ground Beef Stir Fry

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the sauce:
   In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together coconut aminos (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, maple syrup, and starch until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
2. Cook the beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in sliced onion, bell pepper, carrots, snap peas, and broccoli. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.

1. Add garlic and ginger:
   Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Bring it all together:
   Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything beautifully.
3. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot over your favorite rice or noodles.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Meal prep friendly: This stir fry keeps well in the fridge and even better in lunch containers for the week ahead.
• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even lamb for a new flavor spin.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: A bit of crunch brings contrast to the soft beef and sticky sauce.
• Need low-carb? Serve with cauliflower rice or wrapped in crisp romaine lettuce.
• Add heat: For spice lovers, toss in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Stir Fry, Sauté
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with coconut aminos), Dairy-Free, High-Protein

NOTES:

• You can easily double the sauce if you like things extra saucy.
• Leftovers are excellent cold or reheated in a skillet with a splash of water.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish holds up well for meal prep and makes a great next-day lunch.

Is ground beef stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, if you use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, it’s gluten-free.

What vegetables work best?
Whatever you have on hand! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, zucchini, and mushrooms are all excellent choices.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled stir fry in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other stir fry favorites:

• Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Hearty Tex-Mex Classic Worth Savoring
• The Ultimate Comfort: Steak & Cheese Dirty Fry Burritos
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
• Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

CONCLUSION:

With just one pan, fresh vegetables, and a few pantry staples, this ground beef stir fry transforms dinner into something special. It’s one of those go-to meals you’ll find yourself making over and over again—not just because it’s quick, but because it’s warm, flavorful, and feels like home.

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