Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with nutritious vegetables and savory ground beef? This Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a delicious homemade sauce, tender beef, and crisp veggies, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout that the whole family will love. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Meat Seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey (or substitute brown sugar)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Stir Fry

• 1 ¼ lbs. ground beef (see notes)
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute olive or vegetable oil)
• ⅓ cup dry white wine (or substitute beef broth, see notes)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup green beans
• 8 oz. mushrooms
• 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
• ½ cup carrots (julienned)
• ½ red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 rib celery (diced)

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice (any kind, see notes)

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Instructions

Prep Work

1. In a small container, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Shake well and set aside in a cool place.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Measure out all additional ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Cook the Beef

1. Sprinkle the ground beef evenly with the meat seasoning.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate.

Make the Stir Fry

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan. Cook until the liquid reduces by half, about 3 minutes.
2. Add a splash of oil if needed. Add the broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, onions, and celery to the skillet. Toss to coat and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
5. Shake the cornstarch slurry well, then slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking. Reduce the heat to low.
6. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Stir well to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.

Serve

1. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot with rice or noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cook time.
• Packed with Flavor: A savory sauce and perfectly seasoned beef make this dish irresistible.
• Versatile: Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats well for delicious leftovers.

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Tips

• Prepped Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to keep the process smooth.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the Sauce: Taste and tweak the sauce to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or hot sauce for heat.
• Thickening the Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and adjust the thickness as desired.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Replace ground beef with chicken, turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
• Vegetable Swap: Use zucchini, snap peas, spinach, or cabbage for variety.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and broth.

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FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like tofu or chickpeas.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry before adding to the skillet.

What can I use instead of white wine?
Beef broth is a great substitute for white wine in this recipe.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Pair with a side of egg rolls, wontons, or a crisp green salad.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro for extra flavor.