If you are craving a healthy, delicious dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Ground Beef Stir Fry is the solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that will make you want seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
- Nutritious: With lean ground beef and a variety of vegetables, you're getting a balanced, wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Swap out vegetables or proteins to use what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s versatile enough to satisfy picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stir Fry
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (I love saving time and using this kind)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 cups cooked rice (or ready rice)
Instructions for Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Prepare the Base:
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the bell pepper and zucchini. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Season:
- Return the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir in soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Divide the rice into bowls and top with the beef and vegetable mixture.
What Makes It Perfect for Busy Weeknights?
- Minimal Prep: With just a few minutes of chopping and simple pantry staples for the sauce, the prep work is minimal.
- One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean up.
- Make-Ahead Options: Cook the rice ahead of time, or prep the vegetables in advance to save even more time.
- Another Recipe: If you love an easy dinner for busy weeknights, you should also try these Easy Enchiladas (made with Rotisserie chicken making it super easy!).
Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Dinner
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Meal Prepping: Chop veggies over the weekend to streamline the process.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra punch.
This Ground Beef Stir Fry isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you still want to prioritize your health and taste. We also love eating this for leftovers the next day during lunch. You know how there are certain foods that just are not good as leftovers? Well, this isn’t that. This stir fry tastes extra delicious the next day since it allows it to sit in all its flavor. This is an excellent meal prep recipe. Try it out and let it become a staple in your weeknight rotation!
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground Beef Stir Fry is done in just 30 minutes! Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a flavorful sauce, it's the ultimate busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium zucchini sliced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice
- 2 cups cooked rice or ready rice
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and zucchini. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes.
- Divide the rice into bowls and top with the beef and vegetable mixture.
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