Looking for a flavorful and quick dinner option? Try our delicious ground beef stir fry recipe! Packed with protein and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Bursting with flavors and textures, this dish is a delightful combination of tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our easy-to-follow recipe will have you cooking like a pro in no time.
With its protein-packed goodness and vibrant colors, this stir fry is not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes. So why wait? Whip up this mouthwatering meal today and savor the joy of a delicious and satisfying dining experience!
ingredients
Our ground beef stir fry features a savory medley of ingredients, including tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a flavorful sauce. Each component harmoniously combines to create a tantalizing and satisfying culinary masterpiece.
- Ground beef
- Sesame oil
- Onion
- Green cabbage
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Rice – white or brown
- Beef stock -low sodium
- Ground ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame Seeds
- Green onions
How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry
Preparing our ground beef stir fry is a breeze! Simply sauté the ground beef, add in the vegetables, stir in the sauce, and cook until everything is tender and well combined. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious homemade stir fry in no time!
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and sesame oil and saute over medium-high heat.
- Peel and finely dice the onion, and add it to the meat, stirring it occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cabbage shreds. Cut the head of cabbage in half from the top, through the core, then cut each half again, so you have 4 pieces approximately equal in size. Carefully slice away the core, by angling the knife into the cabbage just above the core forming a “V” and slicing down toward the cutting board [paid link]. Discard the core. Then, roughly shred or chop the cabbage.
- Once the meat is browned, stir in the salt, and pepper to taste, and add the rice and beef stock or water.
- Cook the rice for about 15 minutes before adding the cabbage. Continue cooking until the cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is tender, add the soy sauce and powdered ginger. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil, some sesame seeds, and a sprinkling of green onions for an Asian-Inspired Skillet Dinner.
Recipe Tips & Kitchen Tricks
- To achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful ground beef stir fry, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (around 80/20) for added juiciness and richness.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the ground beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of vinegar for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with delicious seasonings.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the ground beef. Cook it in batches if needed, allowing it to brown and develop a nice crust. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming the meat instead of browning it.
- For vibrant and crisp vegetables, add them to the stir fry towards the end of the cooking process. This will ensure they retain their color, texture, and a hint of crunch.
- Customize your stir fry by adding your favorite vegetables or incorporating unique flavors like sesame oil, chili flakes, or a splash of lime juice. Get creative and make it your own!
- Serve the ground beef stir fry over steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Leftovers? Repurpose your ground beef stir fry by using it as a filling for tacos, wraps, or lettuce cups. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors in a different culinary context.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences. Cooking is an art, so trust your instincts and have fun with it!
Recipe Variations
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or brown sugar to the stir fry sauce. Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts for a classic Asian flavor profile.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Spice things up with cumin, chili powder, and a hint of smoked paprika. Incorporate diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn for a Southwestern twist. Serve with warm tortillas and top with fresh avocado or salsa.
- Mediterranean Delight: Infuse the stir fry with Mediterranean flavors by using oregano, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. Include ingredients like cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Serve over couscous or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- Teriyaki-Inspired Variation: Swap the regular stir-fry sauce with a teriyaki glaze or marinade. Include sliced pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and snow peas for a sweet and savory combination. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Spicy Szechuan Twist: Create a bold and spicy stir fry by adding Szechuan peppercorns, chili garlic sauce, and a dash of rice vinegar. Include ingredients like bok choy, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and opt for plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Load up on an array of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian stir fry.
- Low-Carb Variation: Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles (zoodles) to make a low-carb version. Load up on lean ground beef, plenty of vegetables, and seasonings of your choice for a lighter yet satisfying option.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the stir-fry with cooked noodles such as udon, soba, or rice noodles for a delicious stir-fry noodle dish.
- For a lighter option, serve the ground beef stir fry over a bed of crisp lettuce or mixed greens for a flavorful salad.
- Wrap the stir fry in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a handheld and customizable option. Add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve the stir fry alongside steamed or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
- For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve the stir fry with a side of vegetable spring rolls, potstickers, or steamed dumplings.
- Accompany the stir fry with a selection of Asian condiments like soy sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce, allowing everyone to customize their flavors according to their taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this stir fry ahead of time? While it’s best to enjoy the stir fry fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the stir fry to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry? Absolutely! You can add a variety of vegetables to the stir fry based on your preferences. Popular options include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and zucchini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep the vegetables crisp and tender.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe itself doesn’t contain gluten. However, if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, ensure that the soy sauce or any other condiments used are specifically labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.
Q: Can I use pre-packaged stir-fry sauce instead of making my own? Yes, you can use pre-packaged stir-fry sauce if you prefer a convenient option. Just make sure to choose a sauce that complements the flavors of the dish and adjust the quantity according to your taste.
Q: Can I add other proteins to the stir fry? Certainly! If you’d like to incorporate additional proteins, you can add ingredients like shrimp, sliced chicken, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the proteins are cooked through.
Q: Can I make this stir fry spicy? Yes, you can make the stir fry spicy by adding ingredients like chili flakes, hot sauce, or sliced chili peppers. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Best Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Wine Pairings:
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the rich flavors of ground beef. Their fruity notes and moderate tannins harmonize well with the savory elements of the dish.
- Rosé Wine: Opt for a dry or off-dry rosé wine, which offers a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the stir fry. Its light and crisp characteristics can balance the spices and bring out the flavors of the vegetables.
- Riesling: For those who prefer white wine, a slightly sweet Riesling can be a great choice. Its hint of sweetness complements the savory and slightly spicy nature of the stir fry, while the acidity helps cleanse the palate.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Pair the stir fry with an Asian-inspired cocktail like a lychee martini or a ginger mule. The fruity and aromatic flavors of these cocktails can complement the stir fry’s Asian seasoning and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Spicy Margarita: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy margarita made with jalapeño-infused tequila can be a fantastic accompaniment. The spicy kick of the cocktail complements the flavors in the stir fry and adds a zesty twist.
- Mojito: A classic mojito can provide a refreshing and citrusy contrast to the savory stir fry. The combination of mint, lime, and rum creates a vibrant and tropical flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 large onion , diced
- 4 cups green cabbage , shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt , more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup rice , white or brown
- 3 cups water or beef stock , low sodium
- 1/2 tablespoon powdered ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce , we use low sodium
- Sesame Seeds
- 3 green onions , chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and sesame oil and saute over medium high heat.
- Peel and finely dice the onion, and add it to the meat, stirring it occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cabbage shreds. Cut the head of cabbage in half from the top, through the core, then cut each half again, so you have 4 pieces approximately equal in size. Carefully slice away the core, by angling the knife into the cabbage just above the core forming a “V” and slicing down toward the cutting board [paid link]. Discard the core. Then, roughly shred or chop the cabbage.
- Once the meat is browned, stir in the salt, pepper to taste and add the rice and beef stock or water.
- Cook the rice about 15 minutes before adding the cabbage. Continue cooking until the cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is tender, add the soy sauce and powdered ginger. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your likings. Garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil, some sesame seeds and a sprinkling of green onions for an Asian Inspired Skillet Dinner.
It’s simple and good, I added about 1-2 tbsp of sugar to balance flavor and .and it more Korean.
Very tasty way to use up some mince beef in A new way