Ground Beef Stir Fry

A Quick and Flavorful Meal for Any Night

Ground beef stir fry is one of those meals that checks all the boxes—it’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. If you love meals that come together in under 30 minutes without sacrificing taste, this recipe is perfect for you.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or even on its own.

I love this dish because it saves me time on busy nights. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, I can have dinner ready in about 20 minutes. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

The combination of savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes it an instant favorite. Serve it over a bowl of warm rice, and you have a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like takeout—without the extra cost.

One of the best things about this stir fry is how versatile it is. You can load it up with colorful vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your liking, or even swap out the protein if needed. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies in the fridge, making it both a practical and delicious option.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.

This stir fry is also an excellent option for those who want a balanced meal with protein and veggies in one dish. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and wholesome dinner, ground beef stir fry is the way to go!

About Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry is a simple yet flavorful dish made by cooking ground beef with fresh vegetables and a delicious stir-fry sauce. Unlike traditional stir-fries that use sliced meat, this recipe uses ground beef, which cooks faster and absorbs flavors more easily. It’s a fantastic alternative to classic beef stir fry, especially when you want something quick and budget-friendly.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. While many stir-fry recipes stick to specific ingredients, this one allows you to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen. Whether you prefer bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or even cabbage, you can customize it to fit your taste. Plus, the sauce is simple but packed with umami flavors, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love It

1. Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. No need for complicated prep or fancy techniques!
2. Budget-Friendly – Ground beef is more affordable than other cuts of beef, and you can use whatever veggies you have on hand.
3. Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just reheat and serve!
4. Customizable – You can adjust the spice level, swap veggies, or even use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
5. Tastes Like Takeout – The savory, slightly sweet, and garlicky sauce gives this dish a restaurant-quality flavor without the extra cost.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ cup snap peas (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Noodles (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: I prefer using 85% lean beef for the best balance of flavor and less grease. If using fattier beef, drain excess oil after cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from being too salty, but regular soy sauce works too!
• Oyster Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: These add a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add any veggies you like. Mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn would also work great.
• Cornstarch Slurry: This helps thicken the sauce and coat the beef and veggies beautifully. Don’t skip it!

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Large Skillet or Wok – A wok is great for stir-frying because it distributes heat evenly, but a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet works just as well.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together without scratching your pan.
3. Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – You’ll need these for chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, and slicing ginger.
4. Grater or Microplane – Makes grating fresh ginger quick and easy. I love using a Microplane—it gets the job done effortlessly!
5. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Helps you get the right balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other ingredients.
6. Small Bowl for Sauce Mixing – Mixing the sauce beforehand ensures even distribution and saves time during cooking.
7. Rice Cooker or Pot (optional) – If serving with rice, a rice cooker makes it super easy to get fluffy rice every time.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients (5 minutes)

• Chop all your veggies, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef (5-7 minutes)

• Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
• Push the beef to one side of the pan.
• Pro Tip: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring—this helps develop a delicious seared flavor!

3. Sauté the Aromatics (2 minutes)

• Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Stir everything together and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Cook the Vegetables (3-5 minutes)

• Toss in the bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry until the veggies are tender-crisp but still vibrant in color.
• If you like softer vegetables, cover the pan with a lid for a minute to trap steam and speed up cooking.

5. Add the Sauce & Finish Cooking (2 minutes)

• Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

• Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the ingredients.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles.
• Pro Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan! – Stir-frying works best when everything has space to cook evenly. If your pan is too small, cook the beef and veggies in batches.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste – Like it sweeter? Add more hoisin sauce. Want more heat? Throw in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic – Fresh aromatics make a huge difference in flavor. If you only have garlic powder or ground ginger, use them sparingly since they’re more concentrated.
• Keep Veggies Crisp – Stir-fry veggies just until they’re tender-crisp for the best texture. Overcooking makes them mushy.
• Make It a One-Pan Meal – If you want to skip cooking rice separately, add pre-cooked rice or noodles directly into the stir fry at the end and toss everything together.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter alternative. Shrimp also works great!
• Vegetable Options: No bell peppers or broccoli? Try mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or shredded cabbage. This is a great way to use whatever’s in your fridge.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Extra Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for a nutty, crunchy finish.

This dish is super flexible, so feel free to mix things up and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice – A classic choice! Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Over Noodles – Serve it over lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
• Wrapped in Lettuce Cups – For a lighter option, scoop the stir fry into crisp lettuce leaves—so fresh and crunchy!
• Stuffed in a Tortilla – This makes a quick and tasty Asian-inspired taco or wrap. Great for lunch on the go!
• With a Fried Egg on Top – A sunny-side-up egg adds extra richness and makes the dish feel extra special.

I love pairing this with a side of cucumber salad or kimchi for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Let the stir fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

If I’m reheating from frozen, I like to let it thaw completely and then sauté it for a couple of minutes—this keeps the flavors fresh and prevents mushy veggies!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the ground beef and prep the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry everything when you’re ready to eat.

How do I make this spicier?

If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick!

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Just thaw them slightly and pat them dry before adding them to the pan. They might release a little extra moisture, so cook them quickly over high heat to keep them crisp.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No problem! You can substitute it with extra soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar. It won’t have the same depth, but it will still taste great.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, just double the sauce ingredients—no need to adjust anything else.

What’s the best way to meal prep this?

Cook everything as directed, then portion it into meal prep containers with rice or noodles. It reheats well, making it perfect for busy weeks!

---

I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Did you try any fun variations? Let me know in the comments how you served your ground beef stir fry, and don’t forget to share this recipe with a friend who loves quick and easy meals!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!