Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner for Any Night

Ground Beef Stir Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a savory-sweet masterpiece with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Best of all, it’s flexible, budget-friendly, and easy enough for beginner cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

Unlike traditional stir fry recipes that call for sliced beef, this version uses ground beef, making preparation faster and more affordable. The homemade stir fry sauce—featuring garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar—balances savory and sweet flavors beautifully. Kids and adults alike will want seconds, making it a reliable family favorite.

Because the sauce is made from scratch, you avoid overly processed bottled versions with mystery ingredients. Plus, everything comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the stir fry:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ medium onion, cut into bite-size pieces
• 5 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
• ½ cup matchstick carrots
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds & chopped scallions for garnish

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep First – Chop all vegetables and whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Cook the Beef – In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables – In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook for 1 minute, then add mushrooms, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Combine & Sauce It Up – Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until coated. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve & Enjoy – Spoon over jasmine rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions if desired.

Expert Tips

• Frozen Ginger Hack: Keep a piece of ginger in the freezer for months of easy grating.
• Veggie Swaps: Use snap peas, baby corn, or water chestnuts. Just cut them bite-sized for fast cooking.
• Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for chicken, pork, or turkey. Add a splash of oil for lean meats.
• Spice It Up: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
• Toss with ramen or udon noodles for a hearty twist.
• Keep it light by serving over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat and make fresh rice or noodles for best results. Leftovers also make great fillings for wraps or lunchbox meals.