If you’re after a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, this Ground Beef Stir Fry is exactly what you need. Think sizzling beef, crisp-tender veggies, a crave-worthy sweet and savory sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again, and I just can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 Minutes: This Ground Beef Stir Fry is on the table in no time, making it a true weeknight hero.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The blend of soy, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic takes the simple ingredients straight to “restaurant quality.”
- Customizable and Versatile: Easily tailor this dish with whatever veggies you have—or whatever your family loves most!
- Meal-Prep and Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully and even freezes, so you’re set for busy days ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into a colorful, saucy stir fry. Each plays a special part—whether it’s adding savoriness, crunch, freshness, or that irresistible glossy finish that makes Ground Beef Stir Fry so appealing!
- 80-20 Ground Beef: This blend keeps everything juicy and extra flavorful—the foundation of your stir fry.
- Zucchini: Sliced fresh, zucchini soaks up the delicious sauce while still keeping its bite.
- Brown Mushrooms or Baby Bella: Earthy and tender, mushrooms amp up the umami and add wonderful texture.
- Carrot: Julienned for quick cooking and a pop of color plus subtle sweetness.
- Chives or Green Onions (optional): A fresh, zippy garnish that brightens the finished dish.
- Soy Sauce (or GF Tamari): The umami-packed backbone of your homemade stir fry sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet, smoky, or classic—whatever you love, it gives the sauce its irresistible depth.
- Maple Syrup: For just the right layer of sweetness (and no refined sugar!).
- Garlic & Ginger: Grated or minced—these bring the zing and aromatic punch that makes stir fry shine.
- Sesame Oil: Just a splash for nutty, toasty undertones throughout the entire dish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Ground Beef Stir Fry is how forgiving and adaptable it can be. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or tailoring it for allergies or dietary choices, a few tweaks will make this recipe your own!
- Swap the Veggies: Try bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or even thinly sliced cabbage if that’s what you have on hand!
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to give your stir fry a little heat.
- Switch Up the Protein: This stir fry works great with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
- Go Low-Carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by whisking together your soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl or measuring cup. Doing this first means that later, when things move quickly, your sauce is ready to go—ensuring every bite of your Ground Beef Stir Fry packs maximum flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high with a splash of oil, then add your ground beef. Break it up and sauté until completely cooked and deeply browned in spots. This step is where a lot of savory flavor builds, so don’t rush it—let the beef get those crispy, caramelized edges!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
With the beef out of the pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in your zucchini, mushrooms, and carrot. Stir frequently for just 2-3 minutes—your goal is veggies that are vivid and crisp-tender, never soggy. This way, every forkful is a perfect mix of crunch and tenderness.
Step 4: Combine Everything & Finish
Add the browned beef back to the skillet along with your stir fry sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another two minutes or so, just until everything is irresistibly glossy and the aromatics have infused their magic. Give it a taste, season as you like, and you’re ready to serve this Ground Beef Stir Fry hot and fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stir Fry
- The “Golden Brown” Rule: Don’t be afraid to let your ground beef really brown—it adds delicious savory depth to the stir fry!
- Sauce at the Ready: Mixing your sauce before you cook makes it easy to add at the perfect moment—no scrambling while your veggies risk overcooking.
- Veggie Timing: Add vegetables that cook fastest (like zucchini) at the end, letting crunchier options like carrots hit the pan first if you change things up.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with chives or green onions just before serving for a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite!
How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish your Ground Beef Stir Fry with a generous scattering of sliced chives or green onions for a boost of color and fresh bite. If you want to get extra fancy, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil—these tiny touches make the meal feel extra special!
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic spooned over fluffy jasmine rice, sticky rice, or even brown rice for a nutty base. For a lighter option, serve it as a lettuce wrap or alongside a simple cucumber salad—either way, you’ll find it incredibly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
I love scooping my Ground Beef Stir Fry into butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held meal—kids (and adults) go nuts! If you’re meal-prepping, portion the stir fry in individual containers with your choice of grain and a wedge of lime for a bistro-style lunchbox.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your stir fry cool a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or speedy weeknight dinner reloads!
Freezing
This Ground Beef Stir Fry freezes better than you might think. Just pack it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the veggies keep their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, toss your leftovers right into a hot skillet and sauté until piping hot, or simply microwave in 30-second bursts. If things look a little dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce to revive that luscious shine.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of ground meat for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives the dish richness and classic flavor, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground crumbles if you prefer. You may want to add a drizzle of extra oil when using leaner meats or meat alternatives for the best texture.
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How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy?
The key is to stir-fry the veggies quickly over high heat and not overcrowd the pan. Stop cooking as soon as they are crisp-tender—remember, they’ll cook a bit more after you add the beef and sauce!
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Is Ground Beef Stir Fry gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce, the recipe is completely gluten-free. Always double-check your sauces if gluten is a concern!
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Can I make this Ground Beef Stir Fry ahead?
Yes, this dish is a meal prep superstar. Cook as directed, cool, and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat just before serving for easy, delicious meals all week long.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Ground Beef Stir Fry a try and make it your own. It’s such a joyful, fuss-free dinner that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and soon become a regular favorite. Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables in a delicious sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Stir Fry:
- 1 pound 80-20 ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- Chives or green onions, optional for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, I used GF Tamari
- 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce, original, sweet or smoky
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated, or use 1 cube frozen ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – Set a large skillet or Wok over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through and lightly browned to build flavor. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, keeping any oil in the pan.
- Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet, add a little bit of oil if you don’t have enough reserved from the ground beef and add all of your veggies, sautéing and stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until zucchini is half done and crunchy. Don’t overcook them because they’ll still be cooking a little more with the sauce and you don’t want them to get mushy.
- Add the Ground Beef and Sauce – Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan then add the sauce and store to combine. Cook stirring occasionally for about two minutes or until fragrant. This gives the garlic and ginger a chance to cook lightly. Zucchini should be crisp-tender.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Serve over freshly cooked rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chives if desired.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Allow the stir fry to cool before packing into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- To reheat, place stir fry in a hot frying pan and sauté until warmed through or use the microwave to reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
