Ground beef stir fry is like the superhero of weeknight dinners—quick, delicious, and ready to save you from hunger in under 30 minutes. Picture this: sizzling strips of beef dancing in a vibrant rainbow of vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce that makes your taste buds do a happy jig. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making even the pickiest eaters perk up and take notice.
I remember the first time I made ground beef stir fry; my friend crashed at my place after a long week. With little time and even less energy, I whipped up this dish. The moment he took a bite, his eyes widened as if I had just unveiled the secret to happiness. Now, we whip it up together whenever we need a quick fix for our dinner dilemmas. Whether it’s a casual Wednesday night or an impromptu gathering, this recipe never disappoints.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ground beef stir fry comes together in no time, making meal prep effortless
- The flavor explosion will have everyone asking for seconds
- Its colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes too!
- Plus, you can easily customize it to suit any dietary preference or ingredient you have on hand
I still chuckle when I think about how my friend declared himself my sous-chef after that first experience with ground beef stir fry.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, and don’t forget to drain excess fat after cooking.
Bell Peppers: Choose a variety of colors to brighten up your dish; they add sweetness and crunch.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen works; broccoli adds great texture and nutrition to your stir fry.
Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned for quick cooking; they bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic powerhouse!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things tasty without overdoing the saltiness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end gives your dish that authentic Asian flair; it’s rich and nutty.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect coating on your beef and veggies.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness as a garnish; they elevate both flavor and presentation.
Rice or Noodles: Serve your stir fry over rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier meal experience.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Have everything ready to go since stir-frying happens quickly!
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula until no longer pink.
Add Vegetables Galore!: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots into the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they just begin to soften but still have crunch.
Bring on the Flavor!: Add minced garlic next for that aromatic punch. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over everything while sprinkling cornstarch evenly across; mix well until everything is coated.
Toss in Green Onions : Just before serving, throw in chopped green onions for added freshness. Give everything one last good toss!
Serve It Up!: Plate your colorful ground beef stir fry over fluffy rice or noodles. Enjoy immediately while it’s hot—your taste buds will thank you!
There you have it—a scrumptious ground beef stir fry that’s not only easy but also filled with vibrant flavors! This dish is bound to become a staple in your home just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Ground beef stir fry is quick and versatile, allowing for endless ingredient combinations
- The sizzling sounds and fragrant aromas will make your kitchen feel like a restaurant
- Plus, it’s perfect for using up leftovers in a creative way!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a hot skillet, then add vegetables and sauce. This order enhances flavors and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies based on seasons or preferences. Adding different sauces can change the flavor profile dramatically!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your ground beef stir fry, use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps achieve that perfect sear
- Don’t forget to taste as you go—adjust seasoning to your preference!
Cooking ground beef stir fry brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone customized their plates with whatever they loved most.
FAQ
Can I use frozen ground beef for stir fry?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even browning.
What vegetables work best in ground beef stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are great choices for color and crunch.
How can I make my stir fry spicier?
Add chili flakes or sriracha during cooking to kick up the heat!
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground beef stir fry is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that brings together savory ground beef and colorful vegetables in under 30 minutes. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, but it also delights the palate with its rich flavors. Perfect for busy nights or unexpected gatherings, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced, assorted colors)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
- Mix in minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the mixture. Stir well to coat.
- Just before serving, fold in chopped green onions for added freshness.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of stir fry (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
