When I need a fast, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and uses simple pantry ingredients, I make this Ground Beef Stir Fry. It’s packed with colorful veggies, tender beef, and a delicious savory sauce that coats everything perfectly. Best of all, it comes together in minutes — making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Quick Facts
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
-
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
-
Serving Size: 3–4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry
This stir fry is fast, versatile, budget-friendly, and healthy. Ground beef cooks quickly, which means you can get dinner on the table without fuss. The sauce is slightly sweet, a little tangy, and full of umami flavor. The veggies stay crisp, giving every bite the perfect texture. You can customize it endlessly and serve it with rice, noodles, or even lettuce cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef
-
1 bell pepper, sliced
-
1 small onion, sliced
-
2 cups broccoli florets
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon oil
For the Sauce:
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds richness)
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
-
Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for spice
How I Make My Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Cook the Beef
-
Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
-
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
-
Add onion, bell pepper, and broccoli to the beef.
-
Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until veggies soften but stay crisp.
-
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Pour in the Sauce
-
Whisk all sauce ingredients together.
-
Pour sauce over the stir fry and toss to coat.
-
Cook 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
Fast, flavorful, and wholesome — the perfect weeknight dinner!
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
-
Toss with rice noodles or ramen for a heartier dish.
-
Fill lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
-
Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
Tips for Customization
-
Swap the beef: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
-
Change the veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
-
Make it spicy: Add chili oil, sriracha, or fresh jalapeños.
-
Make it sweeter: Add pineapple chunks or extra honey.
-
Boost umami: Add a splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
-
Calories: 300–360
-
Carbs: 10–12g
-
Fat: 18–22g
-
Protein: 25–28g
(Varies depending on vegetables and sauce adjustments.)
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — great for meal prep.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely — just stir fry them straight from frozen.
3. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and skip the oyster sauce.
Final Bite
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is simple, quick, and full of delicious flavor. It’s the perfect mix of juicy beef, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this dish is a weeknight winner.
