First things first—thank you for being here! Truly. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or just dipping your toes into the world of home cooking, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s become a serious go-to in my kitchen.
This Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry is everything you want on a busy day: quick, flexible, packed with flavor, and family-approved. And the best part? It’s made with simple pantry staples and delivers that glorious sweet-savory stir-fry magic in under 30 minutes.
👉 Want this recipe sent straight to your inbox? join our channel and never miss an easy dinner idea again!
What Is Ground Beef Stir Fry?
This isn’t your typical stir fry with sliced steak or fancy sauces—nope. We’re talking about ultra-convenient, everyday ground beef turned into a savory stir fry that rivals takeout! It’s a one-pan meal that combines browned beef, tender-crisp vegetables, and a deeply flavorful stir-fry sauce that clings to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry
- Fast and fuss-free – Ready in 25 minutes, start to finish.
- Customizable – Switch up the veggies or protein!
- Budget-friendly – No need for pricey ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores like a dream and reheats beautifully.
- Packed with flavor – Garlic, ginger, soy, sesame… need I say more?
What Does It Taste Like?
Think bold umami from the soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from honey, the zing of fresh ginger, and that deep, rich savoriness that comes from caramelized beef and stir-fried veggies. It’s crave-worthy, trust me.
Benefits of This Stir Fry
- Protein-rich and satisfying
- Great for picky eaters
- Minimal cleanup
- Works with fresh or frozen veggies
- Naturally dairy-free and easy to make gluten-free
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip this up:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or any cooking oil you love)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
Additions & Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Veggies: Snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or spinach are all welcome here.
Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the beef
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spatula. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add aromatics
Push the beef to one side. Add remaining oil, then garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add veggies
Toss in bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir everything together and sauté for 4–6 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender. - Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. - Combine
Pour sauce into the skillet. Stir until everything is coated and the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes). - Garnish and serve
Top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chili flakes if you like heat.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Steamed rice (white, brown, jasmine)
- Cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- Noodles like ramen or udon
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist
- Side of egg rolls or potstickers if you’re going all out!
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Prep everything first—Stir fry moves fast once you start!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—Work in batches if needed.
- Use high heat—It’s the secret to that delicious sear and flavor.
- Balance your sauce—Taste and adjust soy/honey/vinegar to your liking.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
General Info
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free with tamari. It’s a flexible dish suitable for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or lazy weekend lunches. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a large enough pan or cook in two batches for best results.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water in the pan.
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry is the definition of dinner made simple—with maximum flavor and minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just need something fast and satisfying, this one’s got your back.
Don’t forget to check out these other easy, hearty dinners:
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Sweet & Spicy)
Join the Fun!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review below, tag me in your photos on Pinterest, or use the hashtag #MyWeeknightPlate so I can see your gorgeous stir fry creations.