What’s for dinner tonight? It’s the age old question that can feel like a huge challenge after a long day. I get it completely. You want something tasty and satisfying, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s where this amazing recipe comes in.
This ground beef stir fry is one of my favorite Easy Dinner Recipes. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and comes together so fast. It’s a fantastic way to pack a bunch of veggies into one delicious meal. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas that actually tastes like you put a lot of effort into it. The sauce is the real star. It has that savory, sweet, and tangy combination that makes stir fry so good.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the veggies for whatever you have in your fridge. It’s a great way to use up produce that’s about to go bad. This makes it a budget friendly option, too.
Plus, it’s just a really satisfying meal. You get your protein, your veggies, and your carbs all in one bowl. It’s a complete Easy Healthy Dinner that will leave you feeling full and happy. It’s a recipe you will come back to.
When you need great Dinner Ideas Recipes, this should be at the top of your list. It is simple enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. The ingredient list looks long, but it’s mostly simple things you might already have!
For The Stir Fry Sauce
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
For The Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef, 90% lean works well
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups snap peas
- Garnish: Green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes
- To serve: Rice, noodles, or lettuce cups
Step By Step Instructions
Making this stir fry is very simple. Just follow these steps for one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes you can make at home.
Step 1: Make The Sauce
In a small bowl, grab a whisk. Add all the sauce ingredients together. That means the soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk it all until it’s smooth and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Brown The Beef
Place a large pan or a wok over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of the sesame oil. Once it’s warm, add the ground beef. Cook it for about four to five minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Then transfer it to a separate bowl and drain any extra fat from the pan.
Step 3: Cook The Vegetables
Add the second tablespoon of sesame oil to the same pan. Toss in all your lovely vegetables: the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir them around and cook for about five or six minutes. You want them almost tender but still with a little bite.
Step 4: Thicken The Sauce
Now it’s time for that delicious sauce. Pour it all over the vegetables in the pan. Turn the heat up to medium high and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away and thicken up. This should only take about two or three minutes. This step is key for a great Easy Healthy Dinner.
Step 5: Combine And Serve
Finally, add the cooked ground beef back into the pan. Stir everything together so the beef and veggies get fully coated in that wonderful sauce. Sprinkle with some green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it hot over your choice of rice or noodles. What a fantastic addition to your list of Dinner Ideas Recipes!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Simply let the stir fry cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. This is great for meal prep!
To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts until warm. You can also gently reheat it in a pan on the stove. Add a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick.
Tips
Want to make your cooking experience even smoother? Here are a few quick tips. Try to chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. This makes the process go much faster. It’s a simple trick for many Easy Dinner Recipes.
Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can add a nice bit of heat. You could also add a little sriracha if you like things extra spicy.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables. You want them to be tender crisp, not soft and mushy. They should still have a little bit of a crunch. This is one of my best Quick Dinner Ideas for a reason.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and satisfying ground beef stir fry. This is truly one of the most reliable Easy Dinner Recipes for a busy week. It’s fast, flavorful, and filled with good ingredients.
I hope your family loves this dish as much as mine does. It’s a wonderful way to get a home cooked meal on the table without a lot of fuss. Enjoy every single bite!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork would work beautifully. You could also use thinly sliced steak or chicken breast. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or edamame. This is a great base for many Dinner Ideas Recipes.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Mushrooms, water chestnuts, baby corn, or sliced zucchini would all be tasty additions. Just use what you have on hand. It’s a great clean out the fridge meal and a wonderful Easy Healthy Dinner option.
How Do I Make This Gluten Free?
To make this recipe gluten free, it’s very simple. Just make sure to use a gluten free soy sauce substitute like tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free. This is one of those Easy Dinner Recipes that adapts well.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prepping. You can chop all the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it will come together even faster. This makes it one of the best Quick Dinner Ideas.
Ground Beef Stir Fry
A flavorful and colorful ground beef stir fry packed with vegetables, ready in under 30 minutes for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, grab a whisk. Add all the sauce ingredients together. That means the low sodium soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk it all until it’s smooth and set it aside for later.
- Place a large pan or a wok over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of the sesame oil. Once it’s warm, add the ground beef. Cook it for about four to five minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Then transfer it to a separate bowl and drain any extra fat from the pan.
- Add the second tablespoon of sesame oil to the same pan. Toss in all your lovely vegetables: the yellow onion, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir them around and cook for about five or six minutes. You want them almost tender but still with a little bite.
- Now it’s time for that delicious sauce. Pour it all over the vegetables in the pan. Turn the heat up to medium high and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away and thicken up. This should only take about two or three minutes.
- Finally, add the cooked ground beef back into the pan. Stir everything together so the beef and veggies get fully coated in that wonderful sauce. Sprinkle with some green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it hot over your choice of rice or noodles.
Notes
Try to chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. This makes the process go much faster.
Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can add a nice bit of heat. You could also add a little sriracha if you like things extra spicy.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables. You want them to be tender crisp, not soft and mushy.
To store leftovers, let the stir fry cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
