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Delicious ground beef stir fry with fresh vegetables and savory sauce.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A quick, flexible, and healthy stir fry made with ground beef and a variety of vegetables, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Stir Fry
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef, 85 percent lean
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or cabbage) Use a mix of your favorite vegetables.
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated Optional but highly recommended.
  • 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce Start with 2 and adjust.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin Optional for depth.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes or sriracha
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • cooked rice or noodles for serving
  • green onions and sesame seeds for finishing

Method
 

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

Notes

Use high heat for browning and keep veggies bite-sized. Experiment with different vegetables based on what’s available.