Ground beef stir fry is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Picture this: sizzling ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making even the laziest of homebodies perk up and take notice. It’s quick to whip up, and the flavor hits you like a delightful surprise party in your mouth.
Remember that time you had to impress your friends with a fancy dinner but ended up ordering takeout? Well, this dish turns that regret into triumph! Ground beef stir fry is perfect for those moments when you’re short on time but still want to serve something deliciously satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ground beef stir fry offers an easy and quick meal solution for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors from the fresh veggies make it visually appealing
- With a flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet, it’s sure to please everyone at the table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for endless variations based on what you have in your fridge
I still remember the first time I made this ground beef stir fry; my family devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
-
Bell Peppers: Pick vibrant colors like red or yellow for visual appeal and sweetness.
-
Onion: A medium onion adds depth; I prefer yellow for its mild sweetness.
-
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates flavors; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem!
-
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced without excessive saltiness.
-
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
-
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; grate it finely to infuse its zesty kick into the dish.
-
Vegetables (Carrots, Broccoli): Feel free to mix in your favorites; they add crunch and color!
-
Cornstarch: A sprinkle helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish; use sparingly.
-
Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or toss with noodles for a hearty meal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you’d like to include. Mince garlic and ginger as well. Having everything prepped saves time during cooking.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger once the beef is cooked through. Cook for about one minute until fragrant; let those aromas fill your kitchen!
Toss In Vegetables: Add chopped onions and bell peppers next. Sauté until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch—about three to five minutes works well.
Create Your Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the sautéed ingredients in the skillet.
Finish Cooking: Stir everything together until well-coated with sauce; let it simmer for another two minutes until everything is heated through and beautifully combined.
Enjoying ground beef stir fry isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about savoring each bite of this colorful dish bursting with flavor! Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress even your most discerning friends.
You Must Know
- Ground beef stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors of vegetables combined with the savory aroma of beef make it visually appealing
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by browning the ground beef in a hot skillet, then add vegetables and stir-fry until tender. This sequence maximizes flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or add some spice with chili flakes or fresh ginger for extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your ground beef stir fry, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as a garnish
- Cooking the vegetables until just tender keeps them colorful and crisp
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of that time I made it for friends who were skeptical about stir fry. Their surprise at how delicious it was made my day!
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef in stir fry?
Absolutely! Chicken, tofu, or shrimp work wonderfully in this recipe.
What vegetables are best for ground beef stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are fantastic choices that add color and crunch.
How can I make my stir fry spicier?
Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick!
Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Ground beef stir fry is the ultimate weeknight meal, combining succulent ground beef with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce in just 30 minutes. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. Perfect over steamed rice or tossed with noodles, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots and broccoli)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and bell peppers and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil; pour over the skillet contents.
- Stir well to combine and simmer for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
