This Ground Beef Stir Fry is an easy, 30-minute dinner packed with fresh veggies, savory-sweet sauce, and tender ground beef.
It’s bold, satisfying, and makes a great weeknight go-to. Serve it over rice or spoon into lettuce cups for a lighter option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan simplicity – Everything cooks in the same skillet or wok.
Savory-sweet sauce – A combo of soy sauce, BBQ, and maple syrup.
Fresh, crisp veggies – Zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots stay bright and crunchy.
Versatile protein – Ground beef is budget-friendly and fast.
Naturally gluten-free – Just use GF tamari in place of soy sauce.
Family-friendly – Sweet and savory flavors even picky eaters love.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – 80/20 blend gives flavor without too much grease.
Zucchini – Mild and quick-cooking, perfect for stir-fries.
Mushrooms – Add depth and a slightly meaty bite.
Carrot – Julienne-cut adds crunch and a pop of color.
Chives or green onions – Fresh garnish with mild sharpness.
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
Soy sauce or tamari – Salty, umami foundation.
BBQ sauce – Adds sweetness and smoky flavor.
Maple syrup – Natural sweetener that balances the savory elements.
Garlic & ginger – Aromatic depth; fresh or frozen both work.
Sesame oil – Toasty flavor that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Prep everything first – Stir fry moves fast, so slice and mix before heating the pan.
Use high heat – It sears the beef and veggies quickly for better flavor.
Don’t overcook the veggies – You want them crisp-tender, not mushy.
Frozen ginger hack – Use frozen cubes for quick flavor anytime.
Taste and adjust – Add more soy, BBQ, or syrup to match your flavor preference.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
3 tbsp BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or classic)
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 grated garlic cloves
1 tsp grated or frozen ginger (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
1 tbsp sesame oil
Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Transfer to a bowl, leaving the oil in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add:
2 sliced zucchini
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 julienned carrot
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just softened but still firm.
Avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the ground beef to the skillet.
Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together.
Let cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 5: Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm over rice or in lettuce cups.
Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.
What to Serve It With
Steamed jasmine or brown rice – Classic pairing.
Cauliflower rice – Great for low-carb diets.
Lettuce wraps – Fresh, handheld option.
Fried rice or noodles – To stretch leftovers.
Cucumber salad or miso soup – Refreshing side dish ideas.
Variations / Substitutions
Try ground turkey or chicken – A lighter protein option.
Swap BBQ for hoisin sauce – For a more Asian-inspired flavor.
Add red bell peppers or snap peas – For more color and crunch.
Make it spicy – Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make it vegan – Use plant-based crumbles or tofu and skip meat.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Meal prep – Store in individual containers with rice for grab-and-go meals.
Reheat – Microwave or stir-fry over medium heat until hot.
Double the batch – Great for lunches or freezer meals later.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce, veggies, and meat separately, then combine when reheating.
Can I use pre-chopped veggies?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
What’s the best way to julienne carrots?
Use a julienne peeler or sharp knife, or buy pre-cut matchstick carrots.
Can I add noodles to this stir fry?
Yes—toss in cooked rice noodles or lo mein at the end with the sauce.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your BBQ sauce to ensure it’s GF.
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes—serve over cauliflower rice or wrap in lettuce.
Do I need a wok?
No. A large nonstick skillet works just fine.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini is fast, flavorful, and a perfect dinner solution for busy nights.
With its savory-sweet sauce and colorful veggies, it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to match your fridge and your schedule.
