Okay, so I’m going to let you in on a little secret: this Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe is my absolute go-to when I need something quick, satisfying, and totally delicious on the table. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. Think of it as the weeknight version of a gourmet beef and broccoli, but way faster and honestly, even more flavorful. I remember my mom used to make something similar with whatever veggies were on hand, and the aroma alone could get even my grumpiest teenage self excited for dinner. This particular version? It’s been tweaked and perfected over years, and my family begs for it at least once a week.
What is ground beef stir-fry?
Ground Beef Stir-Fry, at its heart, is exactly what it sounds like: seasoned ground beef and vibrant veggies tossed together in a flavorful sauce. But it’s so much more than the sum of its parts! Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s essentially a quick and easy way to get a healthy and tasty meal on the table using ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Unlike traditional stir-fries which often involve slicing and prepping different cuts of meat, using ground beef simplifies everything immensely. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables. And honestly, it’s just pure comfort food in a bowl.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The combination of savory beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and that slightly sweet and tangy sauce? It’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, it is ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking 30 minutes from start to finish, which is a huge win on busy weeknights. The prep is minimal, and the cooking is straightforward. What I love most about this is that it’s so incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand to keep costs down. It’s also super versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. I’ve even used the leftover filling for egg rolls – trust me, it’s amazing! If you love recipes like Beef and Broccoli or even a good Shepherd’s Pie, this is sure to become a new staple. It’s faster, fresher, and somehow even more satisfying!
How do I make ground beef stir fry?
Quick Overview
Making this Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a breeze! Basically, you brown the ground beef, add your favorite veggies, and then toss it all in a delicious homemade sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences and whatever you have on hand. The whole process is quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables lurking in your crisper drawer. Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but regular works too)
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium is great!)
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For beef, go with what you like! I find lean works best if I want to save a little on clean up, but If you use regular, just drain. How do you get rid of excess grease What are some good soy sauce recipes?
For the Stir-Fry:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper (any color!), chopped
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Don’t feel like you need to stick to these veggies? What are some good substitutes for water chestnuts? What are the key ingredients for garlic and onion?
For the Sauce:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 cup water
Okay, the sauce is what really ties it all together. Don’t skip the sesame oil – it gives it that authentic stir-fry flavor. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can always reduce the brown sugar a bit. I’ve even used honey in a pinch, and it’s turned out great!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Beef
In a bowl, combine ground beef, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Mix well and set aside while you prep the veggies. How does beef soak up all the flavors?
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This is important! You don’t want any clumps in your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to a large skillet and cook, breaking it up with the spoon, until browned. Remove from heat and serve warm. What is the best way Drain off any excess grease. I always use a paper towel to soak up any remaining grease. It makes soooo much difference in the final product.
Step 5: Add the Veggies
Add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrots and mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a little bite to them!
Step 6: Pour in the Sauce
How do I prepare sauce for beef and vegetables? Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. What’s the best way to change the sauce from watery to glossy?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Ground Beef Stir-Fry hot over rice, noodles, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. And that’s it! Dinner is served. My kids love to sprinkle a little extra sesame oil on top – it really elevates the flavor.
What should I serve it with?
This Ground Beef Stir-Fry is pretty awesome all on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. I often serve it over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a healthier option. Noodles are also a great choice – think lo mein or even soba noodles. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try serving it in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a complete meal, I sometimes add a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad. It’s a fantastic combination of textures and flavors! For family gatherings, I like to set out a big bowl of stir-fry with all the fixings so everyone can customize their own bowl – rice, noodles, veggies, and even a drizzle of sriracha for those who like a little heat. And for a cozy night in? Serve it with a warm cup of green tea. It’s the perfect comfort meal!
How do I prepare ground beef stir fry?
Okay, so I’ve made this Ground Beef Stir-Fry more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make it absolutely perfect. First, when you’re browning the beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from clumping together. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet! If you’re using a lot of vegetables, cook them in batches to ensure they get nice and crisp. For the sauce, make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding it to the skillet. Otherwise, you’ll end up with clumps in your sauce. And speaking of the sauce, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet stir-fry, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you want a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Ingredient swaps? You bet! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice. And if you’re out of sesame oil, you can use a little bit of toasted nut oil instead. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste. One time I accidentally added a little too much cornstarch to the sauce, and it ended up being way too thick. Now I always double-check my measurements before adding it in! And if you want to make this ahead of time, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to add the sauce right before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Ground Beef Stir-Fry (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, spread the stir-fry in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until solid. Then, transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents it from clumping together when you thaw it. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave it or heat it up in a skillet over medium heat. If microwaving, add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in a skillet, add a little bit of oil to the pan and stir-fry until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, you can also reheat it directly from frozen, just be sure to cook it thoroughly. The glaze timing doesn’t really matter if you’re freezing it – it holds up pretty well. I’ve found that the stir-fry tastes just as good the next day, as long as it’s stored properly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stir-Fry is truly a staple in my house, and I hope it becomes one in yours too! It’s quick, easy, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table on even the busiest of weeknights. If you’re looking for other easy and flavorful recipes, be sure to check out my other stir-fry recipes! And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I love hearing about your variations and adaptations. Happy cooking, friends!
Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 medium bell pepper sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and bell pepper to the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens.
- Stir in broccoli and soy sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
