Description
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring savory, sweet, and tangy sauce, tender sautéed ground beef, and fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines a delicious umami-rich sauce made with soy, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound 80-20 ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free Tamari recommended)
- 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated or 1/4 tsp ground ginger or 1 cube frozen ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, thoroughly combine the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is fully cooked through and lightly browned, which helps build flavor. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a separate bowl, leaving any rendered oil in the pan.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet with the reserved oil (add a bit more if needed), add all the sliced vegetables—zucchini, mushrooms, and julienned carrot. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the zucchini is halfway cooked and still crunchy. Take care not to overcook to avoid mushy vegetables, as they will continue cooking later with the sauce.
- Add the Ground Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over the top. Stir everything together to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is fragrant and heated through. The garlic and ginger will lightly cook during this step, and the zucchini should become crisp-tender.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Serve the stir fry over freshly cooked rice or inside lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free Tamari sauce to make this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce sweetness or smokiness based on your preference for a personalized flavor.
- Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
- The stir fry can be served over rice, noodles, or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their texture and vibrant flavor.
- Can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave without losing much of its flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, easy stir fry recipe, beef and vegetables, quick dinner, gluten-free stir fry, healthy stir fry
