It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. This ground beef stir fry is your new secret weapon for hectic nights.
It is fresh, savory, and incredibly satisfying. You get a balanced meal on the table in just 25 minutes. Your whole family will love the bold flavors.
Why This Ground Beef Stir Fry Is a Winner
This dish is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Ground beef is affordable and cooks much faster than steak.
Your kids will love the sweet and savory honey-soy glaze. It is a budget-friendly way to eat more fresh vegetables. You only need one pan for the entire meal.
How It Comes Together
Cooking this ground beef stir fry is a breeze for any home cook. You simply brown the meat and toss in the veggies. The sauce thickens quickly and coats everything in glossy flavor.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this recipe. It is fast, fresh, and foolproof every single time. You will feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients
These fresh ingredients create a vibrant and healthy meal for your family.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Step-by-Step
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables reach a tender-crisp texture.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the mixture and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats all ingredients and thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this stir fry over a bed of fluffy white rice. Brown rice or quinoa also work for a healthy boost. For a low-carb option, try using large lettuce cups.
Set the table and enjoy a stress-free family meal tonight. It is a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a treat. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers of this ground beef stir fry in an airtight container. This dish stays fresh and delicious for up to three days. It is a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep.
Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm. A quick splash of water helps loosen the sauce during reheating. It tastes just as good the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Cut your veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Drain the excess fat after browning the beef for a cleaner taste.
- Use a very hot skillet to get that perfect sear.
- For a budget-friendly swap, use frozen broccoli florets.
- Add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Prep all your ingredients before you start the stove.
- Double the sauce if you like your rice extra saucy.
Make It Your Own
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a leaner meal.
- Add snap peas or baby corn for extra crunch.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- In summer, swap the carrots for fresh zucchini slices.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Quick Answers
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen veggies work well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry first. This prevents the stir fry from becoming too watery.
Will my kids find this too spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a very mild kick. You can leave them out entirely for sensitive palates. The honey and soy provide plenty of flavor on their own.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fully browned with no pink remaining. Breaking it into small crumbles helps it cook quickly and evenly. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
I hope this easy meal makes your weeknights much smoother. It is a joy to share these simple recipes with you. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh flavors today!
— Lidia
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots , julienned
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hone y
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions , sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables reach a tender-crisp texture.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the mixture and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats all ingredients and thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
