Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

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Prep Time15

Cook Time18

Total Time33

Servings

Table of Contents

Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions For a Beef Vegetable Stir Fry
How To Make This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Troubleshooting
How To Serve Stir Fry With Ground Beef
How To Store Stir Fry
Why This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Beef Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Our Ground Beef Stir Fry is a delicious and economical family dinner recipe. This recipe combines lean ground beef with fresh, colorful veggies, and a delicious homemade sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and satisfying enough to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Our team at Spaceships and Laser Beams has tested and refined this recipe to make sure it’s easy to follow and consistently delicious. We use a balance of soy sauce, honey, and Mirin to create a savory-sweet sauce that perfectly coats the beef and vegetables.

This combination of flavors, along with the use of fresh garlic and ginger, adds a depth that makes this stir fry stand out.

With years of culinary experience, we focus on creating recipes that are both practical and satisfying. This Ground Beef Stir Fry delivers on that promise by being adaptable to various tastes and preferences, allowing you to create a meal that fits your needs without sacrificing flavor.

We’re confident this easy stir fry dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients

Ground Beef Stir Fry raw ingredients that are labeled

This Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is made of simple, flavorful, fresh ingredients. Set a hot dinner on the table, packed full of healthy veggies and beef in a tasty stir-fry sauce. It’s a great way to create a hearty and nutritious meal.

You’ll need:

For the Sauce

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons Mirin sweet cooking rice wine
3 tablespoons honey
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Stir Fry

1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7%)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons peanut oil
¾ cup fresh broccoli florets
¾ cup large diced sweet yellow onion (We used a Vidalia onion)
¾ cup large diced red bell pepper, seeds removed
½ cup sugar snap peas, cut in half on a diagonal
½ cup carrots, from 1 medium carrot that has been peeled and cut into ¼ inch rounds
½ cup sliced button mushrooms

Substitutions and Additions For a Beef Vegetable Stir Fry

These options will allow you to tailor this stir-fry recipe to your dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal preferences. Keep in mind that any changes may alter the taste and texture, so use them at your discretion.

Ground Beef: Ground turkey, pork, or chicken can be used. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar savory taste.

Mirin: If you don’t have mirin, use seasoned rice wine vinegar or dry sherry. Add an extra tablespoon of honey to maintain the sweetness.

Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute. These options will keep the sauce sweet and sticky.

Peanut Oil: Substitute with canola or vegetable oil if there are nut allergies. These oils have a high smoke point (unlike olive oil) and work well for stir-frying.

Broccoli: If you’re out of broccoli, use cauliflower or green beans.

Sweet Yellow Onion: Red onions or shallots can be used in place of sweet yellow onions. They will add a slightly different flavor but still complement the dish well.

Red Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper can be used as a substitute. Yellow and orange peppers are sweet, while green peppers have a more pronounced flavor.

Sugar Snap Peas: Snow peas or green beans can replace sugar snap peas.

Carrots: Substitute with parsnips or zucchini for a different taste and texture. Both options are easy to cook and blend well with the other ingredients.

Button Mushrooms: Use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini or shiitake.

How To Make This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Make this ground beef and vegetable stir fry, the perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love! This recipe is easy to make, and with our helpful step-by-step photos and is an enjoyable experience that delivers tasty results without requiring extensive kitchen skills.

Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

STEP ONE: Start by gathering all your sauce ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, Mirin, honey, cornstarch, freshly grated garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mixing these ingredients first allows the flavors to blend beautifully and ensures a smooth sauce.

PRO TIP: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Pre-grate these ahead of time to make the cooking process even smoother.

soy sauce, water, Mirin, honey, cornstarch, freshly grated garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes added to a skillet

STEP TWO: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until no pink remains. Aim for larger chunks rather than finely crumbling the beef, as this will enhance the texture of your stir fry.

ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper added to the skillet

PRO TIP: Don’t stir the beef constantly. Allowing it to sear in the pan will develop richer flavors. Then, you can break the beef into larger chunks.

STEP THREE: Once the beef is fully cooked, use a large slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. This step is crucial to remove excess fat, keeping your stir fry light and not greasy. Drain any remaining fat from the skillet, but don’t clean it.

STEP FOUR: In the same skillet, add the peanut oil, followed by the broccoli florets, diced sweet yellow onion, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

peanut oil, followed by the broccoli florets, diced sweet yellow onion, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, carrots, and sliced mushrooms added to the skillet

STEP FIVE: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture cook for another minute, just long enough for the sauce to thicken.

PRO TIP: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving; this helps the flavors meld together better.

Troubleshooting

While the steps of this recipe are fairly straightforward, stir fry can be a delicate dish to make. It can end up undercooked or mushy depending on your recipe.

Here are more tips from our recipe testers, to make sure your ground beef and vegetables end up with perfectly cooked, with tendercrisp veggies, a flavorful sauce, and just the right balance of flavors.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatics like garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor. Prepping them just before cooking helps maintain their freshness, too.
Keep the Beef Moist: Don’t overcook the beef. As soon as it’s no longer pink, remove it from the hot pan.
For the Best Texture: We don’t recommend using frozen vegetables, as they release too much water and can end up mushy. We also recommend patting your vegetables dry so they sear in the pan. Otherwise, they tend to steam, and can end up less crisp.
Even Cooking: Slice vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
For Extra Flavor: After cooking the beef, use a very small amount of water or broth to deglaze the pan before adding the vegetables. This picks up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

How To Serve Stir Fry With Ground Beef

Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or creative ways to incorporate this stir fry into other meals, here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

Serve with Rice: A classic way to enjoy this stir fry is over a bed of steamed white rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati. You can also try this recipe over mushroom rice or lemon rice, too.

Serve with Noodles: Stir fry and noodles are a match made in heaven. Try serving your ground beef stir fry with noodles (like our sesame garlic lo mein) makes for a hearty and comforting meal.

Serve in Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to create stir fry wraps. This presentation is fresh, crunchy, and perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer.

Serve over a Salad: Turn your stir fry into a vibrant salad by serving it over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with a light sesame dressing to complement the stir fry flavors.

Make a Stir Fry Bowl: Create a nutritious and balanced meal by assembling a stir fry bowl. Start with a base of grains or noodles, add the stir fry, and top with fresh veggies like cucumber, radish, and edamame.

Asian-Inspired Pairings: For a complete meal, serve your hamburger stir fry recipe alongside vegetable spring rolls, eggrolls, dumplings, or an Asian cucumber salad.

This stir fry with beef and veggies is a great option for family dinners, but it can also be your go-to recipe to serve to guests. It’s a quick meal to prepare, so you don’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Meal Prep: This is a great recipe for meal prepping. Have a busy week ahead? Prepare this stir fry ahead of time and portion it out for quick, convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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How To Store Stir Fry

Storing this version of this Ground Beef Stir Fry properly ensures that you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make ahead, store, and reheat this dish to keep it fresh and tasty.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the components of this recipe ahead of time to save on cooking time later. Cook the ground beef and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed and stored in a jar for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply chop your veggies and cook everything as directed.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mince beef stir fry will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing your stir fry. It won’t thaw well. Eat this dish up fresh!

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat, you have several options.

On the Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, and cook until heated through.

In the microwave: Transfer the stir fry to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensure the dish is hot throughout before serving.

Why This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe Is The Best

Ground Beef Stir Fry is a favorite for many reasons. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s about the ease, versatility, and satisfaction that this recipe brings to the table.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal option.

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults enjoy the savory flavors and colorful presentation.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?

The sauce should thicken in about 45 seconds to 1 minute after being added to the skillet.

Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?

Yes, draining the excess fat helps keep the dish from being too greasy.

Can I add extra vegetables to the stir fry?

Absolutely, you can add any vegetables you like, just keep the total amount around 3 ¾ – 4 cups. Otherwise, add more sauce.

What type of pan is best for making this stir fry?

Use any large. pan, like a large skillet or wok to accommodate all the ingredients and ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the vegetables are done cooking?

The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crisp when done.

Can I make this stir fry in advance?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you are ready to cook.

What can I serve with this stir fry to make it a complete meal?

Serve it with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Do I need to use fresh vegetables, or can I use frozen?

You can make this beef stir fry recipe with frozen vegetables, but your dish may end up with a softer texture. Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat for this stir fry?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork.

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy the convenience and great taste of this easy homemade dish!

a plate of Ground Beef Stir Fry served over white rice

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Ground Beef Stir Fry

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Total Time 33

Servings

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Ingredients

For the Sauce

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons Mirin sweet cooking rice wine
3 tablespoons honey
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Stir Fry

1 pound lean ground beef, 93%-7%
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons peanut oil
¾ cup fresh broccoli florets, 1 inch bite size pieces
¾ cup large diced sweet yellow onion, Vidalia onion
¾ cup large diced red bell pepper, seeds removed
½ cup sugar snap peas, cut in half on a diagonal
½ cup carrots, from 1 medium carrot that has been peeled and cut into ¼ inch rounds
½ cup sliced button mushrooms

Instructions

In a small bowl whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, Mirin, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine to create the sauce for the vegetable beef stir fry. Set aside.
In a large (12-inch) skillet on medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef, salt and black pepper. Cook and brown the ground beef for 7-8 minutes or until no pink remains. When cooking the ground beef, be careful not to break it up into too small of pieces. You want to have some chunkiness to the ground beef when added to the stir fry.
Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the cooked ground beef to a paper towel lined plate to allow all the excess fat to drain from the sauteed ground beef. Remove the remaining liquid fat from the skillet, but do not clean the skillet.
To the same large skillet, on medium-high heat, add the peanut oil, broccoli florets, sweet yellow onion, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, carrots and sliced button mushrooms. Cook the vegetables for 8-10 minutes or just until they are tender but still have a slight crisp to them.
Add the ground beef and sauce to the skillet. Stir to evenly coat all the ground beef and vegetables with the sauce. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatics like garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor. Prepping them just before cooking helps maintain their freshness, too.
Keep the Beef Moist: Don’t overcook the beef. As soon as it’s no longer pink, remove it from the hot pan.
For the Best Texture: We don’t recommend using frozen vegetables, as they release too much water and can end up mushy. We also recommend patting your vegetables dry so they sear in the pan. Otherwise, they tend to steam, and can end up less crisp.
Even Cooking: Slice vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
For Extra Flavor: After cooking the beef, use a very small amount of water or broth to deglaze the pan before adding the vegetables. This picks up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
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Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions For a Beef Vegetable Stir Fry

How To Make This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Troubleshooting

How To Serve Stir Fry With Ground Beef

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Beef Ramen Stir Fry

How To Store Stir Fry

Why This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe Is The Best

Frequently Asked Questions

More Beef Recipes You’ll Love