Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

1

Share It if your Like it

Prep time 10 minutes

Cooking time 15 minutes

Total time 25 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe is the dish I turn to when there’s a hungry crowd and zero patience for complicated cooking. Maybe you’ve been there too. You open the fridge, see a pack of ground beef and a few veggies, and wonder what to make that’s fast, healthy-ish, and tastes like a real dinner. This is that meal. It’s quick, flexible, and the kind of recipe you can make your own. Let me show you how I do it at home so you can nail it too.

The Story Behind This Recipe

I’m Alexandraa, the cook behind this Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe. sp, I dialed in the flavors so it’s easy and full of comfort vibes. Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe is the dish I turn to when there’s a hungry crowd and zero patience for complicated cooking. Maybe you’ve been there…

Alexandraa

How to Make It

What You Need

Let’s keep this straightforward. Most of this is pantry-friendly and forgiving, which is why I love it on busy nights. I always suggest prepping everything first. A little chopping now means a stress-free stir fry later.

• 1 pound ground beef, 85 percent lean or similar
• 2 cups mixed vegetables, chopped small bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrot matchsticks, snap peas, or cabbage
• 1 small onion and 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated optional but highly recommended
• 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce, start with 2 and adjust
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin, optional for depth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha
• Neutral oil for cooking
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving
• Green onions and sesame seeds for finishing

Simple Steps

• Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add a drizzle of oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it up. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• When the beef is mostly cooked and the moisture cooks off, push it to the sides. Add a bit more oil if needed and toss in onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir until fragrant, about a minute.
• Add the chopped vegetables. Stir often, letting them sear a bit while still staying crisp.
• In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster or hoisin if using, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and a touch of heat. Pour it into the pan and toss to coat everything.
• Let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly. If you like saucier stir fry, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth.
• Taste and adjust. Add a little more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or sugar for balance.
• Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over hot rice or noodles.

That’s it. A complete, flavorful meal in one pan. If you love stir fry flavors, try my take on this zesty chili beef and shrimp noodle stir fry for a spicy twist next time.

Recipe Tips

Here’s how to make your Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe taste more like your favorite takeout, but a little fresher and brighter.

Use high heat, but keep an eye on it. You want a bit of browning for flavor, not a steam bath. If your pan is crowded, cook the veggies in two quick batches.

Keep veggies bite sized. Smaller cuts cook fast and mix better with the ground beef, so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Balance is everything. Salty, sweet, tangy, and a little heat. If your sauce tastes flat, it probably needs a touch of vinegar or a tiny bit more sugar.

Finish with freshness. Green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime add brightness at the end. It makes the whole pan taste cleaner and more lively.

Make it meal prep friendly. This reheats really well. Store rice separately so it doesn’t soak up all the sauce.

“I made this on a weeknight with whatever veggies I had and my family asked for seconds. It was faster than takeout and felt way fresher.”

If you like a veggie forward option to pair with this, I highly recommend this quick bok choy and mushroom stir fry. It’s super savory and goes perfectly next to beef.

What Other Vegetables Can Be Used?

This stir fry is flexible on purpose. Use what you have, or what looks good at the store. I rotate these based on season and what needs using up.

Great choices: bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, green beans, snap peas, cabbage, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, kale, and edamame. All of them play nice with soy and garlic.

What to add first: firm veggies like carrots and broccoli need a head start. Softer veggies like spinach and mushrooms go in later so they don’t turn soggy.

Fresh vs Frozen

Frozen veggies are totally fine. Just don’t thaw them fully. Toss them straight in the hot pan and cook a little longer. The key is hot pan, quick stir, and not too many at once so they caramelize instead of steaming.

If you want a comforting follow up dish to serve with leftovers, I love this cozy baked onion beef fried rice. It’s a hands off oven move that still brings big flavor.

My Tips for Making a Perfect Ground Beef Stir Fry

These are the small moves that add up to a better pan of stir fry, every time.

Choose the right fat level. Slightly higher fat ground beef browns better and tastes richer. Drain excess grease if needed, but let some stay for flavor.

Toast your aromatics. Garlic and ginger should sizzle in a little oil before the sauce hits the pan. That quick toast unlocks their flavor.

Layer the sauce. Start with soy and acid, then add sweet and heat as needed. Taste often. Your palate is the best tool in the kitchen.

Keep the texture varied. Let a few vegetables get a light sear for caramelization. Keep others crisp for contrast. Stir fry should feel lively.

Add a crunch. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy shallots on top adds texture and makes the dish feel finished. For an easy beefy one pan dinner with a different vibe, check out this creamy ranch beef bowtie skillet. Total comfort.

When I want to boost the depth of flavor, I sometimes stir in a teaspoon of chili crisp or a tiny splash of fish sauce. Not necessary, but incredibly good.

Also, don’t forget to serve it with hot rice or chewy noodles. If you’ve got plain rice, fluff it with a fork, and if it’s leftover, a quick microwave with a damp paper towel brings it back to life.

Recipe Variations

It’s fun to keep the basic method the same and go in new directions with small tweaks. Here are a few ideas:

Garlic sesame. Extra garlic, a bigger splash of sesame oil, and a handful of scallions at the end. Clean and bold.

Sweet chili. Add a spoon of sweet chili sauce to the pan and brighten with lime. Great with snap peas and carrots.

Teriyaki style. Stir in a thick teriyaki glaze and toss with pineapple chunks and peppers. Kids usually love this one.

Spicy gochujang. Whisk a teaspoon of gochujang into the sauce for warm heat and a little smokiness.

Low carb bowl. Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded cabbage that’s been quickly sautéed with garlic.

By the way, if you want a saucy, stick to your ribs dinner for a totally different mood, here’s a cozy plate of ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes. Simple and so satisfying.

Common Questions

Can I use turkey instead of beef? Yes. Ground turkey works well. You may want to add a bit more soy and a drizzle of oil for richness since turkey is leaner.

How do I keep the veggies crisp? Hot pan, don’t overcrowd, and add firmer veggies first. Stir often and cook just until bright and tender.

What if my stir fry tastes salty? Add a splash of water, a pinch of sugar, or a squeeze of lime to balance. Serving over rice also helps.

Can I make it ahead? Absolutely. It reheats well. Store the beef and veggies separate from rice for the best texture.

What’s the best pan to use? A large skillet or wok works. Bigger surface area means better browning and less steaming.

A Tasty Weeknight Wrap Up

This Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe is all about speed, flexibility, and real flavor. You can swap veggies, adjust the sauce, and make it yours without stress. Keep the heat high, cut the veggies small, and trust your taste buds. If you want more ideas, I love the practical tips in these guides from other cooks who get it: Ground Beef Stir Fry from The Cozy Cook and Ground Beef Stir Fry by Running to the Kitchen. Now grab that pan, toss in the beef, and make dinner happen. You’ve got this.