Need a flavorful, quick, and nutritious meal that doesn’t involve long prep or cleanup? This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables brings together lean ground beef, colorful crisp veggies, and a savory garlic sauce in just 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re a home cook juggling weeknight chaos or someone planning healthy meal prep for the week, this dish delivers maximum taste with minimum effort.
1. Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir Fry
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring at a pack of ground beef wondering what to make, this recipe is your new go-to. Here’s why:
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Done in 30 minutes, start to finish.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and everyday vegetables.
- ✅ Nutritious: Balanced with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies.
- ✅ Flexible: Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge and freezer.
- ✅ Delicious: A rich, savory flavor that feels like takeout—but better for you.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s dinner made smarter.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
🥩 Ground Beef (1 lb)
Choose lean (85–90%) ground beef to reduce grease while keeping the stir fry hearty and flavorful. It cooks fast and absorbs sauces well.
🌶 Bell Peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green)
Add crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness. Using three colors makes the dish more vibrant and appealing.
🧅 Onion (1 medium, sliced)
Sautéed onions add sweetness and richness to balance the garlic and soy flavors.
🧄 Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
No stir fry is complete without garlic. It provides depth and aroma.
🛢 Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Used to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. Substitute with avocado oil or sesame oil for a twist.
🥣 Sauce Components
- Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds salt and umami.
- Hoisin Sauce (1 tbsp): Sweet and slightly tangy, balances the saltiness.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce and creates that signature glossy coating.
🌿 Garnish (Optional)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper (for heat)
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
🍳 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining olive oil, followed by sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant (2–3 minutes).
🥗 Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Toss in your bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
🥣 Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Stir until smooth.
🥘 Step 5: Add Sauce to Skillet
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stir everything well, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and vegetables.
🌿 Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
4. Stir Fry Sauce – Make It Shine
Want to elevate the sauce? Try these mix-ins:
- Ginger: Fresh grated ginger adds zing and brightness.
- Honey: A teaspoon balances the salty and savory notes.
- Sriracha or Chili Paste: For a spicy edge.
- Lime Juice or Rice Vinegar: For acidity and freshness.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle for a toasted flavor kick.
5. Best Vegetables for Stir Fry
Bell peppers are classic, but here are more stir-fry-worthy veggies:
- Broccoli florets
- Snap peas
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Carrots (thinly sliced)
- Baby corn
- Spinach or kale (add at the end to wilt)
Use what you have—this recipe thrives on flexibility.
6. Customization Ideas (Protein & Veggie Swaps)
💪 Swap the Protein:
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Plant-based crumbles
- Tofu (pressed and cubed)
- Leftover steak or rotisserie chicken
🥦 Swap the Veggies:
- Use frozen stir-fry mix to save time
- Add shredded cabbage for crunch
- Try bok choy or bean sprouts for an Asian flair
7. Serving Suggestions
This stir fry is versatile—here are serving ideas:
- White rice or jasmine rice (classic)
- Brown rice (healthier option)
- Noodles – soba, udon, or ramen
- Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
- Stuffed into lettuce wraps
- Over mashed potatoes for a hearty spin
Top with a fried egg for an extra protein boost!
8. Meal Prep & Storage Tips
🥡 Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Cook the full recipe and allow it to cool completely.
- Portion into airtight containers with rice or noodles.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
- Microwave with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.
- Or reheat in a skillet for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
9. Health Benefits & Nutrition
Each serving offers a balance of:
- Protein (21g): Thanks to ground beef
- Fiber & Antioxidants: From peppers and onions
- Iron & B Vitamins: Beef is rich in essential minerals
- Moderate Calories: Around 345 kcal per serving
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
10. Variations by Cuisine
🌶 Asian-Inspired
- Use ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar
- Add baby corn, water chestnuts, and bok choy
🌮 Mexican-Inspired
- Swap hoisin with tomato paste + cumin + chili powder
- Use bell peppers, black beans, and corn
- Serve in tortillas
🍝 Italian-Inspired
- Skip soy and hoisin, use crushed tomatoes, garlic, and basil
- Add zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach
- Serve over pasta or polenta
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking veggies: They should stay bright and crisp.
- Not draining fat: Excess grease makes the dish soggy.
- Sauce too thick/thin: Adjust with water or more cornstarch.
- Using cold pan: Always preheat for the best sear.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this low-carb or keto?
Yes! Serve it over cauliflower rice and skip the hoisin or use a sugar-free version.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: Is it spicy?
Not unless you add chili flakes or sriracha. It’s naturally mild.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but cook them quickly to avoid sogginess.
13. Ground Beef Recipes to Try Next
- Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
- Cheesy Macaroni Cheeseburger Skillet
- Hobo Casserole
- Classic Meatloaf
- Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
These are easy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
14. Printable Recipe Card
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables – Easy Ground Beef Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions & sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Heat oil, brown beef, drain fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, stir-fry 5 minutes.
- Stir in sauce and simmer until thick.
- Season, garnish, and serve over rice or noodles.
15. Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables isn’t just a recipe—it’s a dinner solution. Fast, flexible, and flavorful, it’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or someone who just wants something delicious without the fuss, this dish delivers on all fronts.
