Quick Ground Beef Stir Fry

On weeknights when the schedule feels endless, turning to a reliable dinner like ground beef stir fry saves the day without sacrificing flavor. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It blends tender beef with crisp broccoli and carrots in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s perfect for fueling busy days.

I appreciate how versatile it is for family dinners or meal prep. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice to soak up that irresistible sauce. Leftovers reheat effortlessly. They maintain their vibrant textures for lunches throughout the week. What draws people in most is the customizable heat from an optional sriracha drizzle. It adds just the right kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Win: Ready in 25 minutes, this ground beef stir fry fits seamlessly into hectic schedules for busy moms and professionals.
• Flavor-Packed Balance: The sweet-savory sauce coats tender beef and crisp veggies. It delivers cozy Asian-inspired comfort without complexity.
• Healthy and Versatile: Lean beef keeps it nutritious. Easy swaps like extra veggies make it adaptable for family preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components in advance for even faster assembly. It’s ideal for storing and reheating throughout the week.

Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients

These ingredients come together for a harmonious blend of savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and a glossy sauce. That sauce ties everything with sweet and umami notes. Opting for fresh produce and quality lean beef elevates the dish’s vibrancy and tenderness. Each bite bursts with flavor.

• Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base that browns quickly for savory depth.
• Vegetable oil: Offers neutral heat for stir-frying. It prevents sticking and enhances aroma release.
• Garlic: Adds pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the entire dish with bold flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Brings warm, zesty spice to balance the sauce’s sweetness. It cuts through richness.
• Scallions: Contribute fresh, mild onion notes. Parts are used for cooking and garnish for color and crunch.
• Broccoli florets: Deliver crisp-tender texture and earthy freshness to contrast the soft beef.
• Shredded carrots: Add subtle sweetness and vibrant color while staying tender-crisp.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Provide nutty crunch and subtle toastiness as a finishing touch.
• Dark brown sugar: Creates the sauce’s sticky sweetness. It caramelizes slightly for depth.
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Imparts essential umami and saltiness without overpowering.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency that coats ingredients evenly.
• Unseasoned rice vinegar: Adds a light tang to brighten and balance the overall richness.
• Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, fragrant finish to the sauce for authentic flair.
• Cooked rice: Serves as a fluffy base to absorb the flavorful sauce and juices.
• Sour cream-sriracha drizzle: Offers creamy, spicy contrast as an optional topping for heat lovers.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. Then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld briefly. This step ensures the sauce thickens properly during cooking for a glossy finish.

Step 2: Make the Optional Drizzle

In another small bowl, mix the sour cream and sriracha. Thin with a few drops of water if needed for drizzling consistency. Set aside. This creamy-spicy element adds customizable heat without altering the main dish.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Prepare rice according to package directions while prepping other components. That way, it’s ready for serving. Steaming it separately keeps the stir-fry’s textures intact.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white and light green parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. This quick step builds a flavorful foundation without burning the delicate ingredients.

Step 5: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook until just browned and fully cooked through, which takes around 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and a tender result.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets. Cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes until they brighten to a vivid green. They begin to soften slightly at the edges. This keeps the vegetable’s crispness while integrating it with the beef.

Step 7: Finish with Carrots and Sauce

Incorporate the shredded carrots and the prepared sauce mixture. Then continue cooking and stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. Do this until the sauce thickens and the vegetables reach tender-crisp doneness. The carrots add a pop of color and subtle sweetness as everything comes together.

Step 8: Serve It Up

Portion the ground beef stir fry over bowls of cooked rice. Garnish with reserved dark green scallion slices and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Add the sriracha-sour cream drizzle if desired. This final touch enhances presentation and flavor contrast.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter. It reduces excess fat while maintaining juiciness during quick cooking.
• Stir-Fry on High Heat: Maintain high heat throughout to achieve tender-crisp veggies. It gives a seared beef texture without sogginess.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding. Reduce brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness for a more savory profile.
• Don’t Overcook Veggies: Watch the broccoli and carrots closely in the final minutes. This preserves their bright color and crunch.
• Prep Aromatics Ahead: Mince garlic and grate ginger in advance. It speeds up the stir-frying process on busy nights.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry

Garnishes

I love topping my ground beef stir fry with sliced dark green scallions for a fresh, oniony bite. I add a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds that add nutty crunch. A drizzle of the sour cream-sriracha mix brings creamy heat. It contrasts the sauce’s sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up the glossy sauce. Or add a side of cucumber slices for cool, crisp refreshment. I sometimes include edamame for extra protein. This keeps the meal light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the ground beef stir fry into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. It highlights the tender beef and veggies. I arrange it family-style in a large bowl with rice on the side. Everyone can customize garnishes for a fun, interactive dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover ground beef stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. This method preserves the sauce’s glossiness and the vegetables’ slight crispness. It’s perfect for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

Portion the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags. Press out air to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This maintains texture without sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. It revives the sauce. Stir until hot throughout. Or use the microwave in short bursts covered with a damp paper towel. This keeps the beef tender. It prevents the veggies from drying out.

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