If you’re craving a lightning-fast dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction, this Ground Beef Stir Fry will absolutely hit the spot! It combines juicy beef with crisp-tender veggies and a sweet-savory sauce—all on the table in just 20 minutes. This is the kind of dish that makes you fall in love with weeknight cooking all over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: This Ground Beef Stir Fry goes from fridge to table in just 20 minutes, making dinner almost effortless!
- Vibrant & Versatile: The fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrition—plus you can swap in whatever you have on hand.
- Sauce That Wows: The sweet, salty, gingery sauce brings everything together with irresistible flavor and a glossy finish.
- Family Approved: Hearty, wholesome, and customizable, everyone at the table will find something to adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of Ground Beef Stir Fry is how every simple ingredient contributes something special—whether it’s the juicy beef, the crunch from the veggies, or the rich, knock-your-socks-off sauce. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- 80/20 ground beef: Offers the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness; don’t worry, you’ll drain any excess fat.
- Zucchini (2 medium, sliced): Adds mild earthiness, vibrant color, and soaks up the sauce beautifully without getting mushy—just don’t overcook!
- Brown mushrooms or baby Bella (8 oz, sliced): Bring hearty umami and a bit of chewiness, making the dish even more satisfying.
- Carrot (1, julienned): Provides a natural sweetness and pop of color, plus a touch of crunch to balance out the tender beef.
- Chives or green onions (optional, for garnish): A fresh sprinkle right before serving wakes up the flavors and adds brightness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari): The backbone of that crave-worthy sauce—deep, savory, and never too salty.
- BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or original): Adds depth, tang, and just a hint of unexpected barbecue goodness.
- Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness balances the sauce and pairs so well with ginger and soy.
- Garlic (2 cloves, grated or minced): For aromatic punch that infuses every bite.
- Ginger (grated, frozen, or ground): Lively warmth and zing (fresh really is best, but ground works in a pinch).
- Sesame oil: Gives the stir fry that classic, slightly nutty Asian flavor.
Variations
One of the greatest things about Ground Beef Stir Fry is how forgiving and flexible it is—feel free to mix it up with what you love or have on hand, and tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor cravings!
- Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced fresh chilies to add a fiery kick.
- Substitute the vegetables: Try bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or shredded cabbage if you want to boost variety or use up fridge odds and ends.
- Switch up the protein: This recipe works beautifully with ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based “beef” for a vegetarian version.
- Go low-carb: Serve your stir fry over cauliflower rice or pile it into crunchy lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl or measuring cup, simply whisk together the soy sauce (or Tamari), BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Doing this up front creates harmony in the final dish and means the sauce is ready to pour when you need it—no scrambling mid-cooking!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high and add a drizzle of oil. Next, add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Give it about five minutes until it’s fully cooked through and you see some golden brown caramelization (flavor jackpot!). Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, but keep the oil in the pan for the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in all your veggies—the zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Stir frequently and cook for just 2–3 minutes, until the zucchini is halfway done but still crunchy. Resist the urge to overcook; you want everything crisp-tender for the best Ground Beef Stir Fry experience!
Step 4: Combine & Finish
Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the whole kitchen smells incredible and the sauce is glossy. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. The zucchini should be crisp-tender, never soggy—so turn off the heat and you’re ready to eat!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the veggies in batches if your skillet is small—this keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Sauce Prep Pays Off: Mix your sauce before cooking; having it ready ensures nothing overcooks while you measure or whisk.
- Use High Heat: A hot pan helps caramelize the beef and gives the veggies lively color and texture—stir frying is all about speed!
- Thinly Slice Veggies: Slicing zucchini and mushrooms thin allows them to cook quickly and soak up every delicious drop of sauce.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Shower your stir fry with a big handful of thinly sliced chives or green onions just before serving—they add herbal freshness and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds or a swirl of extra sesame oil are also fantastic if you’re in the mood for a little added crunch and richness.
Side Dishes
For a classic pairing, serve over fluffy steamed rice, jasmine, or even brown rice for extra heartiness. Cauliflower rice works great for a lighter option, or try slipping the stir fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held upgrade on traditional stir fry night.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, spoon the Ground Beef Stir Fry into individual bowls and layer steamed rice beneath the stir fry, letting the vibrant veggies peek through. For parties, assemble lettuce cups ahead of time, or thread chunks of cooked veggies and beef onto skewers for a playful, appetizer-worthy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your stir fry cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or “I don’t feel like cooking” moments!
Freezing
This Ground Beef Stir Fry freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally, or zap individual portions in the microwave. If the veggies release a little liquid, just let them simmer briefly in the pan so everything heats through and tastes as good as new!
FAQs
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Can I make Ground Beef Stir Fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire stir fry up to three days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits and it reheats beautifully for quick meals.
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Is Ground Beef Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free Tamari instead of soy sauce, and check your BBQ sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally GF!
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Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely—feel free to swap in anything from bell peppers and broccoli to snap peas or shredded cabbage. The technique stays the same, and it’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge.
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What’s the best way to serve Ground Beef Stir Fry for a crowd?
Double (or triple) the recipe and serve buffet-style alongside steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce cups. Provide little bowls of sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili crunch so everyone can customize their own plate!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ground Beef Stir Fry a try the next time you want dinner in a hurry without sacrificing flavor or fun. It’s endlessly adaptable, downright delicious, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews around any table—enjoy every bite!
Print
Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Ground Beef Stir Fry loaded with vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Stir Fry:
- 1 pound 80-20 ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- Chives or green onions, optional for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, I used GF Tamari
- 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce, original, sweet or smoky
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated, or use 1 cube frozen ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – Set a large skillet or Wok over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through and lightly browned to build flavor. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, keeping any oil in the pan.
- Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet, add a little bit of oil if you don’t have enough reserved from the ground beef and add all of your veggies, sautéing and stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until zucchini is half done and crunchy. Don’t overcook them because they’ll still be cooking a little more with the sauce and you don’t want them to get mushy.
- Add the Ground Beef and Sauce – Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan then add the sauce and store to combine. Cook stirring occasionally for about two minutes or until fragrant. This gives the garlic and ginger a chance to cook lightly. Zucchini should be crisp-tender.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Serve over freshly cooked rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chives if desired.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Allow the stir fry to cool before packing into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place stir fry in a hot frying pan and sauté until warmed through or use the microwave to reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
