Weeknight dinners don’t get much easier (or tastier) than this Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s quick, savory, and packed with flavor. Imagine tender ground beef, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce all coming together in a hot, sizzling stir fry. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for when you’re craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive into a dish that’s full of flavor but takes almost no time at all? Trust me, this recipe is about to become your go-to!
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What I love most about this stir fry is how customizable it is. You can swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, and even make it your own with extra ingredients. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry
This recipe isn’t just about throwing together a few ingredients. It’s about enjoying a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a master chef to make this! It’s simple, fast, and perfect for busy weeknights. Dinner in 30 minutes or less? Yes, please!
Flavor-Packed: Ground beef is cooked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that makes each bite burst with flavor. The veggies add freshness and crunch, creating the perfect balance of textures.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables, sauce, and seasonings to fit your taste. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or garlicky, this recipe can be tailored to your preferences.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a crowd, this stir fry is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Healthy: With lean ground beef and a mix of fresh vegetables, this dish is a balanced and healthy option that still satisfies your cravings.
Ingredients in Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry
The beauty of this stir fry is that it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you need to make it:
Ground Beef: The star of the show. Ground beef cooks up tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the stir fry sauce.
Bell Peppers: For crunch and color, bell peppers add a sweet, crisp bite. You can use red, yellow, or green peppers depending on what you have on hand.
Onion: A touch of sweetness and savory depth. Sautéed onions add great flavor to the stir fry.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic punch that makes this stir fry irresistible.
Soy Sauce: The base of the stir fry sauce, giving it that savory umami flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a little zing and warmth, perfect for balancing out the richness of the beef.
Sesame Oil: For that nutty, aromatic flavor that’s key in stir fry recipes.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and the richness of the beef.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, so it coats the beef and veggies beautifully.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: These are the perfect stir fry veggies that require no prep. They add a burst of color and nutrition.
Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh pop of flavor to finish off the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to get this delicious stir fry on the table in no time:
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan with the beef. Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Make the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggies in the pan. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Simmer and Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken up and coat the beef and veggies perfectly.
Add the Peas and Carrots: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Top with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy as is!
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry
This stir fry is incredibly versatile and can be paired with so many sides to make the meal even better:
Steamed Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a comforting meal that soaks up all that savory sauce.
Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, this stir fry pairs perfectly with soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a quick twist.
Vegetable Sides: If you want to keep things light, pair this with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini.
In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the stir fry in large lettuce leaves and eat like a wrap. It’s fresh, fun, and healthy!
Additional Tips
Here are a few pro tips to make this stir fry even better:
Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey. It still works perfectly in this recipe and cuts down on the fat.
Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite stir-fry veggies, like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn. The more colorful, the better!
Make It a One-Pan Meal: If you want to make clean-up easier, use a one-pan or sheet-pan method for everything. Just roast the veggies in the oven and add the cooked beef and sauce!
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Double the Batch: This stir fry makes great leftovers, and you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or have plenty for the next few days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
A1: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of ground beef. They’ll all work great in this stir fry!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the stir fry and store it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.
Q5: How can I thicken the sauce more?
A5: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Q6: Can I add more veggies?
A6: Absolutely! You can add more stir-fry veggies like mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas. The more veggies, the better!
Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q8: How spicy is this recipe?
A8: This stir fry is on the milder side, but you can easily kick up the spice level by adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A9: Reheat the stir fry in a pan on the stove to keep the veggies crisp. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until hot.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, feel free to double the ingredients if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for the week.
Easy Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Ground Beef Stir Fry with shredded cabbage is a quick and tasty low-carb dinner. Simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, dry sherry, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sake, or rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar (or sweetener for low carb, optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 head cabbage, core removed and leaves shredded (about 8 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
- 1 pinch cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with the end of a wooden spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add half of the sauce to the beef, stir frying to evenly coat.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, feel free to adjust the sweetener to suit your preference.
- Serve with rice for a fuller meal or enjoy on its own for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg