Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Nutritious – Packed with protein and fresh vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
- Customizable – You can swap or add vegetables and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup required since everything is cooked in a single pan.
- Family-Friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Cook the beef – In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the aromatics – Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the vegetables – Toss in the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine everything – Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Vegetable Swap – Try using zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- Different Protein – Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
- Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: You can freeze the stir-fry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?
Cook them quickly over high heat to retain their crunch, and avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and chop the veggies in advance to save time. Cook fresh for the best texture.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but let them thaw slightly and drain excess moisture before adding them to the pan.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto, skip the brown sugar and cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What’s a good substitute for hoisin sauce?
You can mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and peanut butter for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
Use arrowroot powder or a small amount of xanthan gum as an alternative.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes! Cashews or peanuts make a great crunchy addition.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to customize, packed with nutritious ingredients, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is a satisfying and versatile dinner option. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!
PrintGround Beef Stir-Fry
This Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and easy 20-minute meal packed with juicy ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a bold, savory stir-fry sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s nutritious, customizable, and made in just one pan for easy cleanup. Serve it over rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice!
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stir-fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish
Instructions
Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef – Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics – Add garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4️⃣ Add Vegetables – Stir in bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but crisp.
5️⃣ Combine & Simmer – Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.