Name: Quick & Flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry: A 20-Minute Dinner Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: For the Sauce; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); For the Stir Fry; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced; 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Craving a hearty, healthy, and lightning-fast dinner? This Ground Beef Stir Fry is your answer! Packed with vibrant veggies, juicy ground beef, and a sticky, sweet-savory sauce, this one-pan meal comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s as delicious as takeout but healthier and faster!

A skillet filled with ground beef stir fry, featuring colorful bell peppers, green beans, and carrots, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry

Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples.
Veggie-Packed: Loaded with colorful vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Versatile: Swap veggies or tweak the sauce to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that delivers meaty flavor in every bite.

If you love recipes like Korean Beef Bowls or Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, this dish will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir Fry

1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, for serving

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ground beef being browned in a skillet with a wooden spoon for a quick stir fry recipe.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove beef to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add bell peppers, green beans, carrots, onion, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the white parts of the green onions, red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine & Thicken: Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and veggies. Stir in the green parts of the green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Enjoy!

Whisking soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl to create a sweet-savory sauce for ground beef stir fry.

Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry

Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and mix the sauce in advance for an even faster meal.
Use a Large Pan: A wok or large skillet ensures veggies sear rather than steam, keeping them crisp.
Customize Veggies: Swap in zucchini, mushrooms, snow peas, or asparagus based on what’s in season or in your fridge.
Control the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili crisp for a spicy kick.
Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control saltiness.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Twist: Increase red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili crisp for extra heat.
Peanutty Flavor: Stir 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty depth.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat.
Noodle Option: Toss with stir-fry noodles or thin spaghetti instead of rice.
Seasonal Veggies: Use asparagus in spring or zucchini in summer for a fresh twist.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Without Rice)

Calories: 325 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 850mg
Vitamin A: 4200 IU
Vitamin C: 70mg
Iron: 4mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

A plate of ground beef stir fry with bell peppers and green beans over brown rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike traditional stir fries that require slicing steak, this ground beef version skips the prep work without sacrificing flavor. The sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, coating every bite of tender beef and crisp veggies. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!

For more quick and delicious dinner ideas, check out our Chicken Fried Rice or Tofu Stir Fry. Want to save this recipe? Sign up for our newsletter below to get it delivered

Suggested Meals to Pair with Ground Beef Stir Frystraight to your inbox!

Healthy Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake: A light, protein-packed dessert or breakfast treat with a cinnamon crumble, ideal for balancing the savory stir fry with a sweet finish.
Crock Pot White Chicken Lasagna Soup: A creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect as a cozy side or a standalone meal for another night, offering a rich contrast to the stir fry’s Asian flair.
Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bake: A wholesome, banana-chocolate oatmeal bake for breakfast or dessert, adding a hearty yet sweet option to your meal plan.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings: Spicy, buttery wings that make a great appetizer or side, bringing bold Southern flavors to complement the stir fry’s savory profile.
Gluten-Free Gumbo: A hearty, Southern-style dish that’s gluten-free and packed with flavor, perfect for a soul-warming meal alongside the stir fry.
Herby Ranch: A versatile, creamy dipping sauce or dressing that pairs wonderfully with the stir fry’s veggies or as a side for crispy snacks.

These recipes from dishestolearn.com offer a mix of sweet, savory, and hearty options to enhance your Ground Beef Stir Fry experience, making your weekly menu both exciting and delicious!

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Quick & Flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry: A 20-Minute Dinner Delight