Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe: When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and family-friendly, ground beef stir fry checks every box. It’s got bold flavors, crunchy veggies, and tender meat—all tossed in a savory sauce that sticks to every bite. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student on a budget, this recipe delivers serious flavor without the fuss. You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills—just one pan and under 30 minutes.
The beauty of a stir fry is that it’s endlessly customizable. Don’t have broccoli? Use green beans. Want it spicy? Throw in chili flakes. This is a base recipe you can tweak endlessly. Keep reading to get the full list of ingredients and a foolproof, step-by-step guide to cooking it right the first time.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry
Let’s be real—ground beef gets a bad rep sometimes, but in a stir fry? It’s a total flavor bomb. Here’s why you’re going to want to keep this recipe on rotation:
- Quick and Easy: You’ll go from fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is one of the most affordable proteins around.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more eating.
- Customizable: Swap the veggies, adjust the spice, change the sauce—make it yours.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and have leftovers for days.
And did we mention it’s seriously satisfying? That savory, umami-packed sauce soaks into the beef and clings to every veggie. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Is Ground Beef Stir Fry Healthy?
Absolutely—if you do it right. A good stir fry balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Ground beef provides the protein punch. Load up on colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to get fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Use a sauce with low sodium and add aromatics like garlic and ginger for flavor without the extra calories.
To keep it even healthier:
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher).
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium versions.
- Go light on the oil and choose heart-healthy options like olive or avocado oil.
- Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
When you make it at home, you’re in control—so you can keep it tasty and nutritious.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish
Still wondering when to serve it? Here’s a list of perfect moments for ground beef stir fry:
- Busy Weeknights: Done in 30 minutes or less.
- Meal Prep Sundays: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Last-Minute Dinners: When you have random veggies to use up.
- Family Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for picky eaters.
- Lunchbox Meals: Heat it up, and it’s just as good the next day.
Basically, anytime you’re hungry and short on time—this dish has your back.
Tips Before You Start Cooking
Before you fire up the stove, a few quick tips can take your stir fry from good to restaurant-worthy:
- Chop everything ahead of time—once you start cooking, things move fast.
- Use a large skillet or wok so your ingredients don’t steam.
- Cook high and fast—that’s how you get that classic stir fry flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Keep the sauce ready to toss in quickly when the time is right.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list! Most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Optional Add-ins
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes (for heat)
Vegetables That Pair Well
Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli and carrots. Here are more stir fry-friendly veggies:
- Snap peas
- Baby corn
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Cabbage
- Spinach (add at the end)
Mix and match based on what you have in your fridge!
Meat Substitutions
Not feeling ground beef? Here are some swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
- Plant-based ground “meat” for vegetarians
- Tofu or tempeh for a soy-based protein
- Sliced beef strips for a more traditional stir fry feel
Sauce Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s break down what each sauce ingredient does:
- Soy Sauce: Salty, savory base
- Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and umami
- Hoisin Sauce: Slightly sweet and rich
- Rice Vinegar: Cuts through the fat
- Sesame Oil: For that nutty finish
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to everything
Recommended Kitchen Tools
You don’t need a fancy setup, but having these will help:
- Wok or large non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing bowl (for sauce)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s break this down, step-by-step, so even if it’s your first time cooking, you’ll nail it.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing all ingredients before cooking. Chop your vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic and ginger, and mix your stir-fry sauce in a small bowl using soy sauce, a splash of vinegar, a little sugar or honey, and optional sesame oil. Having everything ready keeps the cooking fast and smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the cooked beef. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the stir fry.
Step 4: Toss in the Veggies
Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir fry for 3–5 minutes, keeping them crisp-tender. Cooking over high heat helps maintain texture and color.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Simmer and Combine
Lower the heat slightly and let the stir fry simmer for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the beef and veggies.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and freshness.
Pro Cooking Tips
Want to elevate your stir fry game? Here’s what makes a good dish great:
- High heat is your friend: It sears the meat and gives veggies a nice char.
- Don’t skip the aromatics: Garlic and ginger add layers of flavor.
- Cut veggies evenly: So they cook at the same rate.
- Use day-old rice if adding it in: It’s drier and soaks up sauce better.
- Make extra sauce: Stir fries are all about that coating—don’t go dry!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Cool the stir fry completely before storing.
- Use an airtight container.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stove: Heat in a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ground Beef Stir Fry Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these fun takes on the classic:
- Korean-Inspired: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) and a dash of brown sugar.
- Thai Style: Use Thai basil, fish sauce, and a splash of lime juice.
- Spicy Szechuan: Toss in chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns for that tongue-tingling effect.
- Peanut Stir Fry: Mix peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty twist.
- Teriyaki Style: Sub the sauce with homemade or store-bought teriyaki.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With It
Want to round out your meal? Try these tasty pairings:
- Steamed Dumplings
- Egg Drop Soup or Miso Soup
- Asian Slaw with Sesame Dressing
- Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar
- Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls
- Fried Rice or Garlic Noodles
These sides add crunch, balance, or contrast that turns a simple stir fry into a feast.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish can go wrong if you’re not careful. Watch out for these common slip-ups:
- Overcooking the veggies: You want tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Using too much sauce: It can overpower the dish.
- Not draining the beef: Excess grease makes it soggy.
- Cooking on low heat: You’ll miss out on that stir fry char.
- Overcrowding the pan: It steams instead of fries.
Avoid these, and your stir fry will come out perfect every time.
FAQs about Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry. Frozen veggies tend to release water, which can make the stir fry soggy.
2. What kind of ground beef should I use?
Use lean ground beef (85%-90% lean). It gives you flavor without too much grease.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s a great meal prep option. Just store in containers and reheat when ready.
4. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use a larger pan or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Is there a low-carb version?
Yes! Serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini and skip the hoisin sauce or sugar in the stir fry sauce.
Conclusion
This ground beef stir fry recipe is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. It’s fast, flexible, and foolproof. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a comforting bowl of something savory—you’ve got a winner here.
Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to. Don’t forget to play around with the veggies and sauce to make it your own!
