There are nights when I crave something quick but comforting, flavorful but not heavy—and that’s when this ground beef stir fry saves the day.
With tender veggies, juicy beef, and a garlicky, gingery sauce, it’s a weeknight winner I always come back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish gives all the takeout vibes—without leaving the house.
It’s fast, colorful, and customizable to whatever veggies are in your fridge.
The savory-sweet sauce clings to every bite of beef and broccoli.
Serve it with rice or noodles, and dinner’s ready in 30 minutes or less.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – I use lean (90%) for less grease but full flavor.
Broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, onion, carrots – A bright, crunchy mix.
Soy sauce + orange juice – For a bold, tangy-sweet sauce.
Fresh garlic & ginger – Key aromatics that make it taste like real stir fry.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce beautifully.
Sesame oil – Adds toasty depth.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut all your veggies before turning on the heat—stir fry moves fast.
Stir the sauce again before using; cornstarch tends to settle.
Don’t overcook the vegetables—you want them crisp-tender for the best texture.
Use high heat to sear rather than steam.
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes until no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil.
Add the onion, broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas.
Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Beef
Stir the sauce once more, then pour it over the veggies.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
Return the beef to the pan and toss everything to coat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
What to Serve It With
I love pairing this with jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic combo.
It’s also amazing with noodles, quinoa, or lettuce wraps if you want something lighter.
Add a dash of chili crisp or lime juice for extra zing!
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu instead of beef.
Swap in any quick-cooking veggies like zucchini, cabbage, or mushrooms.
Make it spicy with sriracha or red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Go low-sodium by using coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Let the stir fry cool before storing.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Avoid freezing—veggies may get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days—just stir before using.
What cut of beef can I use instead of ground?
Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin also works great in this stir fry.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches so the pan doesn’t get overcrowded.
What if I don’t have orange juice?
Pineapple juice or lime juice makes a tasty substitute.
Final Thoughts
This ground beef stir fry has become a go-to in my home.
It’s nourishing, colorful, and bursting with flavor—but comes together with almost zero stress.
Whether it’s a rushed weeknight or a lazy Sunday, I know this recipe will hit the spot.
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, then transfer to a bowl.
- Add remaining sesame oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry onion, broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots until crisp-tender.
- Pour in the sauce and cook until it thickens.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/ground-beef-stir-fry-3/
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers make an excellent meal-prep lunch the next day!
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.