If you’re craving something incredibly flavorful, quick enough for a busy weeknight, but special enough to impress, this Ground Beef Stir Fry is pure dinnertime gold! It’s a symphony of tender veggies, saucy goodness, and juicy ground beef—all ready in just 20 minutes. Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, savory, and smoky magic in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Dinner: From chopping board to dinner table in 20 minutes flat—faster than takeout, every single time!
- Seriously Saucy Flavors: The combo of sweet maple, umami-rich soy, a hint of BBQ, and aromatic ginger & garlic means every forkful is pure delight.
- Protein-Packed & Veggie-Loaded: Juicy ground beef pairs perfectly with a rainbow of crisp-tender zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots for a balanced meal in every bite.
- Ultra-Adaptable: Make it gluten-free, swap in your favorite veggies, or serve it any way you like—this Ground Beef Stir Fry fits all your cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Stir Fry is how everyday ingredients come together to make something truly unforgettable! Each one brings its own layer of flavor, texture, or color, making the whole dish pop.
- 80-20 ground beef: Classic, juicy, and adds tons of meaty flavor while staying tender.
- Zucchini: Sliced into rounds, zucchini turns buttery-soft yet stays beautifully green and fresh.
- Brown mushrooms or baby Bella: Earthy, hearty mushrooms soak up the delicious sauce and give the stir fry extra depth.
- Carrot: Julienned for color and a little bit of sweet, crisp crunch in every bite.
- Chives or green onions (optional): Fresh, mild herbal notes on top for extra pop and color.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or GF Tamari): Adds rich umami and keeps the sodium in check—totally customizable for gluten-free needs.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—this is the secret twist that makes the sauce crave-worthy!
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that balances the soy and BBQ, creating the perfect glaze for beef and veggies.
- Garlic cloves: Grated or minced for bold, aromatic undertones (no stir fry is complete without it!).
- Ginger: Fresh or ground, ginger brings warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
- Sesame oil: A toasty, nutty finish that sets this stir fry apart from all the rest.
Variations
One of the most magical things about Ground Beef Stir Fry is just how easy it is to riff on! Swap veggies, change up the protein, or tinker with sauces—the possibilities are deliciously endless.
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the stir fry sauce for a zippy kick.
- Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully in place of beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Packed with More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn—use whatever you have in the fridge!
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or in crisp lettuce cups for a light, grain-free meal.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Grab a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and whisk together soy sauce (or Tamari), BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This blend is the heart of the dish, so let the flavors mingle while you prep your other ingredients—your tastebuds will thank you!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil, then crumble in your ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it’s cooked through with gorgeous golden-brown bits. Transfer the beef to a bowl but leave any tasty drippings in the pan for extra flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes—just until the zucchini is vibrant and still a bit crunchy. Resist the urge to overcook; you want those veggies crisp-tender, not mushy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Pour in your stir fry sauce, stirring to coat every morsel. Cook for another 2 minutes or so—just until everything’s glossy, aromatic, and the flavors have nestled together. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. That’s it! Your Ground Beef Stir Fry is ready to shine.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stir Fry
- The Power of High Heat: Using medium-high heat helps caramelize the beef and keeps veggies vibrant—don’t be afraid of a hot pan for that lovely sear.
- Sauce Prep is Key: Always mix your stir fry sauce before you start cooking so it’s ready to pour at just the right moment—no scrambling for ingredients mid-sizzle!
- Zucchini Watch: Keep an eye on your zucchini—pull it off the heat when it’s just barely tender and bright green for best results.
- Cleanup Shortcut: Wipe down your cutting board and knife right after you prep the veggies so when dinner’s done, you’re mere moments away from relaxing.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Freshly sliced chives or green onions give the Ground Beef Stir Fry a dash of color and a hint of gentle spice. You can also toss on a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little extra flair and crunch, or add a squeeze of lime for a pop of brightness if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is a classic, soaking up every last drop of that sticky-sweet sauce. Cauliflower rice or brown rice work just as well if you prefer! Or, spoon the stir fry into crisp lettuce cups or alongside a simple cucumber salad for a lighter meal with extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the Ground Beef Stir Fry into lettuce wraps for a handheld, party-friendly option. Or serve in individual bowls topped with a cascade of chopped herbs and edible flowers for a vibrant weeknight-to-dinner-party upgrade. Layer it over noodles when you’re feeling extra comfort-food vibes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making for delicious next-day lunches!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish! Place cooled stir fry in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just note that the texture of zucchini may soften a bit once thawed, but the flavor remains on point.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave—stir halfway through for even heating. Either way, those sauces will revive beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles all work well with the stir fry sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on fat content, but the method stays the same.
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Is Ground Beef Stir Fry gluten-free?
It can be totally gluten-free—just use gluten-free Tamari in place of regular soy sauce and double-check the BBQ sauce label for any hidden gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
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How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
High heat and quick cooking are your best friends! Stir-fry the veggies just until crisp-tender, and always add the sauce at the very end for no more than a couple minutes to keep everything bright and fresh.
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What can I do if my sauce seems too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, let the stir fry simmer for an extra minute or two to reduce further. The starchy veggies will also help the sauce cling beautifully!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar—with almost no effort at all. Whether you’re new to stir fries or a seasoned pro, give it a try and watch it disappear from plates. I hope it makes your dinnertime as happy as it does in my home!
Print
Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a busy 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
