This ground beef stir fry is a quick and nutritious dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies, it’s an easy and versatile recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The homemade stir fry sauce adds just the right amount of flavor without excessive sugar or sodium, making this a healthy meal option for the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb extra lean ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin coins
Sliced green onions (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

2 Tbsp cornstarch
4 Tbsp cool water
1 cup beef broth
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp ground ginger
1–2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lime

Directions

Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add beef broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, garlic, and lime juice. Whisk to combine and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, crumbling it as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat if desired.
Add Vegetables:
- Add green beans, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
- Stir to coat all ingredients, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender to your liking.
Serve:
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or other toppings like sesame seeds or sriracha.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 329 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 74 mg
Sodium: 1,070 mg
Potassium: 681 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 16 g
Vitamin A: 1,323 IU
Vitamin C: 48 mg
Calcium: 55 mg
Iron: 4 mg

This ground beef stir fry is a flavorful and balanced meal that you can customize with your favorite vegetables and garnishes. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner fix!

What Makes This Ground Beef Stir Fry Special?

Stir fry recipes are renowned for their simplicity and versatility, and this ground beef version is no exception. Here’s why this dish stands out:

Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
Nutrient-Packed
With lean ground beef, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a balanced sauce, this stir fry delivers a healthy mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Customizable
This recipe serves as a base that you can adapt to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out the veggies or adjust the spice level for a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Perfect for Meal Prep
The stir fry reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

A Balance of Flavors and Textures

The appeal of this stir fry lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

Savory and Slightly Sweet Sauce
The homemade stir fry sauce is a game-changer, combining the umami of soy sauce, the subtle sweetness of honey, and the warmth of ginger and garlic. Lime juice adds a hint of tanginess, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma.
Tender Ground Beef
Lean ground beef serves as a flavorful and protein-rich base. It absorbs the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
Crisp and Colorful Vegetables
The mix of green beans, red bell peppers, and carrots adds vibrant colors, a satisfying crunch, and an array of nutrients.
Garnishes for Extra Flair
Toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

This ground beef stir fry is not just delicious—it’s also a healthy choice for the whole family. Here are some of its key nutritional benefits:

High in Protein
The lean ground beef provides 27 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Fiber
The vegetables contribute dietary fiber, promoting good digestion and keeping you feeling full.
Low in Added Sugar
With only a touch of honey in the sauce, this dish avoids excessive sugar while still delivering a balanced sweetness.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, and green beans are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Lower Sodium Option
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce the overall sodium content, making this a healthier stir fry choice compared to many takeout options.

Why Choose Stir Fry for Weeknight Dinners?

Stir fry recipes have become a go-to for many home cooks, and for good reason:

Minimal Prep Time
With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have this dish ready in no time. It’s a lifesaver for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore.
One-Pan Cooking
Everything comes together in a single skillet or wok, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
Endlessly Versatile
From swapping proteins to experimenting with different sauces, stir fry dishes are endlessly customizable. You can make a new version every time!
Great for Using Leftovers
Stir fries are perfect for incorporating leftover veggies or proteins, reducing food waste and adding variety to your meals.

Customizing Your Stir Fry

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Protein Alternatives
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Try shrimp or diced chicken breast for a different texture and flavor profile.
Vegetable Variations
- Swap in broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for the green beans and carrots.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables for an even quicker preparation.
Spice Levels
- Adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers.
- Leave out the spice altogether for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.
Grain Pairings
- Serve over steamed rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a traditional base.
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry Every Time

To ensure your stir fry is restaurant-quality, follow these simple tips:

Prep Ingredients in Advance
Stir frying is a fast process, so it’s crucial to have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking.
Use High Heat
Cooking over high heat allows the vegetables to sear quickly, retaining their crunch and vibrant colors.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them. This ensures they stay crisp and flavorful.
Adjust Sauce Consistency
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the pan.
Taste as You Go
Adjust the seasoning and spice level to your liking by tasting the sauce before simmering.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this ground beef stir fry shines as a weeknight dinner, it’s also versatile enough for other occasions:

Meal Prep Hero
Make a large batch on Sunday and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Family-Friendly Dinner
Its balanced flavors and customizable spice level make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Casual Entertaining
Serve it as part of an Asian-inspired dinner spread alongside fried rice or spring rolls for a casual yet impressive meal.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Healthy Dinner Option

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a true kitchen MVP, combining speed, nutrition, and flavor in a single dish. It’s an excellent way to pack protein and vegetables into your diet while keeping things exciting with a homemade sauce that’s far superior to store-bought alternatives. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dinner for your family or plan meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers on every front.