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Ground Beef Stir Fry: Easy Weeknight Meal
Emily

Ground Beef Stir Fry: Easy Weeknight Meal

This fast, protein-packed skillet meal is the ultimate solution for a hectic weeknight. Combining lean ground beef with crisp bell peppers, carrots, and green beans, it delivers a savory, umami-rich flavor that is balanced and deeply satisfying. Perfect for families looking for a quick, healthy dinner, this one-pot recipe minimizes cleanup without sacrificing quality. The sweet and salty glaze, thickened with cornstarch, coats every bite for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
  • 8 ounces green beans
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 cup water (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, water, maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced ginger until uniform.
  2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
  4. Remove the browned beef from the pan and set aside.
  5. Add the bell peppers, carrots, and green beans to the same skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Return the beef to the pan along with the prepared sauce.
  7. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice.

Notes

You can substitute broccoli for green beans if preferred. Honey is an excellent replacement for maple syrup if that is what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture.