Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a weeknight dinner hero—quick, vibrant, and packed with rich flavors from a sweet-and-savory sauce, crisp veggies, and perfectly browned beef. You’re never more than 20 minutes away from a satisfying, colorful meal that delivers both comfort and a bit of flair!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Stir Fry is chosen for flavor, texture, and pure crave-ability. The best part? You’ll find everything at a regular grocery store, and each piece plays a starring role in building this dish’s incredible layers.

• Ground beef (1 pound, 80-20): Look for 80-20 for tons of flavor and juiciness—lean enough, but still packs amazing taste.
• Zucchini (2 medium, sliced): Adds vibrant color and fresh crunch; try cutting them in half-moons for the best texture.
• Mushrooms (8 oz brown or baby Bella, sliced): They soak up the sauce like little flavor sponges and add earthy undertones.
• Carrot (1, julienned): Brings a gentle sweetness and eye-popping color—pre-julienned packs are a handy shortcut!
• Chives or green onions (optional, for garnish): For a fresh, punchy finish right at the end.
• Low-sodium soy sauce or GF Tamari (3 Tbsp): The backbone of the stir fry sauce; use tamari if you’re gluten-free.
• BBQ sauce (3 Tbsp, sweet/smoky/original): This unexpected addition brings a smoky-sweet surprise that wakes up the whole pan.
• Real maple syrup (2 Tbsp): Makes every bite subtle, glossy, and deeply flavorful—skip the fake stuff if you can.
• Garlic (2 cloves, grated/minced): For aromatic zing throughout the dish.
• Ginger (1 tsp grated or 1 frozen cube/¼ tsp ground): Gives the sauce its signature gentle heat—fresh or frozen both work great!
• Sesame oil (1 Tbsp): Adds a rich, nutty base note that makes everything taste “like takeout,” but better.

Variations

This Ground Beef Stir Fry absolutely begs for you to add your own twist! Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge, swapping for dietary needs, or leaning into your flavor cravings, adaptation is not just allowed—it’s encouraged.

• Swap the Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn all work beautifully—use whatever’s colorful and crunchy!
• Protein Alternatives: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a different spin without losing that satisfying stir fry essence.
• Sauce Creativity: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat, or toss in some hoisin for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve your stir fry over cauliflower rice or in crisp lettuce cups for a light-but-filling meal.

How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry

Step 1: Mix the Magical Sauce

Start this dish with a bowl of pure flavor! In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined. Setting the sauce aside makes sure you’re ready for those fast-moving stir fry moments to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Major Flavor

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 5 minutes until it’s deeply browned all over. Don’t rush—those crisp brown bits bring irresistible flavor! Once cooked, transfer beef to a bowl but keep the oil in the pan for your veggies.

Step 3: Sauté the Vibrant Veggies

With the skillet still hot, toss in your zucchini, mushrooms, and carrot. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 2–3 minutes. You’re aiming for that perfect spot—zucchini half-done and everything still a little crunchy and bright. Resist the urge to overcook; you want lively, not limp!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, pour in your pre-mixed sauce, and toss everything together. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant and bubbling—this is when the veggies reach crisp-tender perfection and every bite drinks in that garlicky, gingery magic.

Step 5: Taste, Season, and Serve

Take a moment to taste your masterpiece. Add salt and pepper if needed, then pull the skillet off the heat. Serve your Ground Beef Stir Fry over fluffy rice or tuck it into lettuce cups, and don’t forget a sprinkle of chives or green onions for a fresh finish!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry

Garnishes

Shower the finished Ground Beef Stir Fry with snipped chives, green onions, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and color. A little squeeze of lime over each bowl just before serving can also add bright, zesty contrast.

Side Dishes

This stir fry begs to be paired with steamed white or brown rice, but it’s also delicious with jasmine rice, quinoa, or even fluffy farro for a twist. For lighter options, serve with lettuce wraps or alongside a simple miso soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop your Ground Beef Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a hands-on, party-ready meal, or serve in individual bowls topped with a fried egg for extra richness. Mini rice bowls with pickled veggies make a fun, customizable dinner board for guests or family members to build their own bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stir fry cool fully before storing—then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing its flavor or texture, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or speedy dinners.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Stir Fry freezes like a dream! After cooling, pop portions into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat, stirring just until warmed through. Microwaving works just fine in a pinch—cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking the veggies.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a speedy, crave-worthy dinner that’s never boring, this Ground Beef Stir Fry is about to become your go-to. Grab your skillet and some pantry staples—you’re just a few steps away from a home-cooked meal that’s bursting with flavor and color. Try it this week, and watch it disappear!

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