Dinner doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal, especially when your week is packed with work, school, and endless to-dos. Enter the speedy beef stir-fry recipe—a quick, flavorful dish that delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re a beef lover or simply looking for a fast ground beef recipe to add to your family’s weekly rotation, this one-pan wonder is a must-try.
With minimal prep time and a cooking time of just about 20 minutes, this quick ground beef stir-fry is your answer to getting a satisfying meal on the table—without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with protein and bursting with an irresistible mix of savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a fuss-free dinner.
Here’s everything you need to bring this easy beef stir-fry dish to life.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather these everyday ingredients for a dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
Beef & Vegetables
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Speedy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe for the Busiest Nights
A quick and delicious ground beef stir-fry packed with fresh veggies and a savory sauce. This speedy dish is perfect for busy weeknights and takes just minutes to prepare.
- Total Time: PT0H25M
- Yield: 4 people.
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular depending on your preference)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced diagonally
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to the beef and vegetables. Take a moment to ensure everything is well combined and smooth. Set the sauce aside for later; you’ll add it to the skillet towards the end to pull all the flavors together into a delicious harmony.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s important for developing a rich, savory flavor. If there’s excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it off to keep your dish light and balanced, ensuring the final product isn’t overly oily.
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet to make space for the vegetables. Add broccoli florets, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced bell pepper to the empty side of the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently to prevent burning and allow even cooking. You want the vegetables to be tender yet crisp, retaining their vibrant colors and fresh texture. If some of the vegetables need additional softening, you can add a splash of water, quickly cover the pan with a lid, and let them steam for about 2 minutes. This will help ensure all the veggies are cooked to perfection.
Once the vegetables are crisp-tender, stir them together with the browned beef so everything is evenly distributed in the skillet. Give the sauce you prepared earlier a quick whisk, then pour it evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure the sauce coats every piece. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps the sauce thicken slightly, creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami with every bite.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds for added freshness and texture. This final touch not only enhances the look of the dish but also adds a subtle burst of flavor. Serve hot over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal. For an extra kick, you can garnish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry, bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients!
Notes
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of ground beef? No problem! Swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
- Add Some Spice: Love a little heat? Spice things up by adding a drizzle of sriracha, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of chili oil to the sauce. Adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance and take your dish to the next level.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Don’t have broccoli on hand? No worries! Stir-fries are one of the easiest meals to customize. Substitute with green beans, snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or even bell peppers. You can mix and match whatever vegetables you have in your fridge for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives offer the same rich umami flavor, ensuring every bite fits your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
- Bulk It Up: Want to make the dish more filling? Toss in a handful of cashews or peanuts for a satisfying crunch, or serve the stir-fry over stir-fried noodles, brown rice, or even quinoa. This not only stretches the meal further but also adds a hearty base to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Prep Time: PT0H10M
- Cook Time: PT0H15M
- Category: Main dish.
- Method: Stir-frying.
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired.
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular depending on your preference)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced diagonally
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
Optional Add-Ons
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Executing this ground beef Asian stir-fry is as easy as 1-2-3, even on chaotic nights!
1. Prepare Your Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to the beef and vegetables. Take a moment to ensure everything is well combined and smooth. Set the sauce aside for later; you’ll add it to the skillet towards the end to pull all the flavors together into a delicious harmony.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s important for developing a rich, savory flavor. If there’s excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it off to keep your dish light and balanced, ensuring the final product isn’t overly oily.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet to make space for the vegetables. Add broccoli florets, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced bell pepper to the empty side of the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently to prevent burning and allow even cooking. You want the vegetables to be tender yet crisp, retaining their vibrant colors and fresh texture. If some of the vegetables need additional softening, you can add a splash of water, quickly cover the pan with a lid, and let them steam for about 2 minutes. This will help ensure all the veggies are cooked to perfection.
4. Combine & Add the Sauce
Once the vegetables are crisp-tender, stir them together with the browned beef so everything is evenly distributed in the skillet. Give the sauce you prepared earlier a quick whisk, then pour it evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure the sauce coats every piece. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps the sauce thicken slightly, creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami with every bite.
5. Finish & Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds for added freshness and texture. This final touch not only enhances the look of the dish but also adds a subtle burst of flavor. Serve hot over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal. For an extra kick, you can garnish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry, bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients!
Tips & Variations
Make this fast beef stir-fry dinner work for your tastebuds and pantry with these helpful tips and substitutions.
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of ground beef? No problem! Swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
- Add Some Spice: Love a little heat? Spice things up by adding a drizzle of sriracha, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of chili oil to the sauce. Adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance and take your dish to the next level.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Don’t have broccoli on hand? No worries! Stir-fries are one of the easiest meals to customize. Substitute with green beans, snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or even bell peppers. You can mix and match whatever vegetables you have in your fridge for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives offer the same rich umami flavor, ensuring every bite fits your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
- Bulk It Up: Want to make the dish more filling? Toss in a handful of cashews or peanuts for a satisfying crunch, or serve the stir-fry over stir-fried noodles, brown rice, or even quinoa. This not only stretches the meal further but also adds a hearty base to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Nutritional Information
Curious about what you’re fueling your body with? Here’s a quick glance at what a single serving of this ground beef Asian stir-fry provides (approximate values).
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
It’s no surprise this recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also keeps you energized for hours without weighing you down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this charmingly simple recipe. From its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors to the way it lets you flex your creativity with veggies and garnishes, this speedy beef stir-fry recipe is the versatile weeknight gem every home cook needs. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when time is tight but you still want to serve something homemade and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand—broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or even some crunchy water chestnuts. Want to make it a little spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. The stir-fry sauce is a perfect blend of umami and sweetness, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
Have a little extra time? Pair it with dumplings, an easy miso soup, or even a simple cucumber salad for a more elaborate dinner spread. Not into fancy plating? Serve it straight from the skillet—you won’t hear any complaints from family or friends! You can also make a double batch and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or prepping meals for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be an immediate crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, thanks to its simplicity, flavor, and flexibility.
Your Next Dinner is Just 20 Minutes Away
Dinner dilemmas are no match for the simplicity and flavor of this quick ground beef stir-fry dish. Loaded with good-for-you vegetables, easy-to-source ingredients, and customizable options, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your weekly kitchen rotation.
Will you be making this tonight? We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos or stir-fry hacks in the comments below. With this recipe in your back pocket, your busiest nights just got infinitely tastier.