Ground Beef Stir Fry
This easy ground beef stir fry is loaded with veggies, meat, and a sweet-and-savory sauce that coats every bite. Just add rice and dinner is done!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup honey, or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
For the stir fry:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or neutral cooking oil of choice, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large bell pepper seeded and cut into thin 1/8-inch slices
- 1 large carrot scrubbed and cut into thin, 2 x 1/4-inch matchsticks or thin 1/8-in coins
- 8 ounces green beans trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, or 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger from about a 1-inch piece
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes plus additional to taste
- 1 small bunch green onions thinly sliced, white/light green parts and dark green parts divided
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional for serving
- Cooked brown rice or white rice for serving
Instructions
- In a liquid glass measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the soy sauce, water, maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, and garlic until smoothly combined. Set aside. Gather all of your ingredients and set them near the stove (stir fries move fast!).
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the canola oil. Once the oil is hot and shiny, add the beef, salt, and black pepper. With a wooden spoon or similar sturdy spatula, break up the meat, browning it until it is fully cooked through; this will take 5 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the beef to the plate.
- With a paper towel, carefully wipe the skillet clean, then add the remaining tablespoon canola oil. Add the bell pepper, carrots, and green beans. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
- Add the ginger and red pepper flakes and cook until very fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the white and light green parts of the green onions.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the top, then stir to coat. Let cook 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce is thickened, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the reserved green onion tops then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover ground beef stir fry in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- TO FREEZE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- TO REHEAT: Warm leftover ground beef stir fry in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 29gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 70mgPotassium: 837mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 4510IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 5mg
