If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together quickly on those busy evenings, the Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. This meal combines tender ground beef with vibrant, crisp vegetables all tossed in a tangy, spicy ginger sauce that hits every satisfying note. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it’s not only nourishing and colorful but also incredibly comforting and straightforward to whip up in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a crucial role: from the savory ground beef that brings a hearty base, to the crunchy broccoli and sweet carrots that add texture and freshness, and a sauce that ties everything together with zing and warmth.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose ground beef with some fat for juicy flavor, or lean for a lighter dish.
- ½ small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets: Offers crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the plate.
- 2 large carrots, cut into ½-inch rounds: Bring natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange.
- 1 bell pepper, cut into ½-inch strips: Adds crispy texture and mild peppery taste.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking and neutral flavor.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps to gently steam and soften the veggies without losing crunch.
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari or soy sauce): Provides the salty, umami backbone to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar: Adds a pleasant tangy brightness to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: For a spicy kick that wakes up the entire dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aroma and a subtle pungency.
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or grated: The star ingredient that names this recipe, delivering warmth and zest.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon tapioca starch (or arrowroot powder): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Give a fresh, sharp bite and visual appeal.
- Sriracha (for garnish): Extra heat for those who love it.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a nice crunch and toasty flavor.
- Cooked rice (optional, for serving): Makes this dish a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Make Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. If you’re working with very lean beef, a splash of olive oil can keep everything from sticking. Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until it turns translucent and soft. This step builds the savory base of the dish, layering flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorsome Sauce
While your onions are cooking, mix up the sauce. In a small glass or measuring cup, whisk the coconut aminos (or tamari or soy sauce) together with rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, and tapioca starch until smooth and lump-free. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe, bringing tanginess, heat, and a luscious glossy finish to the dish.
Step 3: Combine Beef with Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, pour your freshly whisked sauce over the cooked beef and onions, then stir everything together well. Let this simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld and thicken up slightly. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen starts smelling incredible!
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the beef mixture from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of water, scraping up all the browned bits left behind from the beef—that’s pure flavor gold. Toss in your broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper, then raise the heat to medium-high. Add another tablespoon of water to help steam the vegetables, cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes until the broccoli turns crisp-tender but still vibrant and fresh.
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Once the veggies are perfectly cooked, add the beef mixture back into the pan and toss everything together to combine all those wonderful textures and flavors. Give it one last hot stir through so every bite is coated in the tangy, spicy sauce. Your Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A garnish can elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of sriracha on top. These not only provide a burst of fresh, nutty, and spicy notes but also add to the dish’s beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that keeps things light and still adds a subtle texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stir fry in colorful bowls to really showcase the vibrant veggies. You could also pile it onto a bed of noodles or even stuff it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld treat. This flexible recipe invites you to make it your own every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a quick, comforting meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works perfectly too. Adding a splash of water during reheating can help maintain the saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork will work beautifully in this Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stir fry?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute to keep it vegetarian while still enjoying the bold flavors.
What can I substitute for tapioca starch?
If you don’t have tapioca starch on hand, arrowroot powder or cornstarch are great alternatives for thickening the sauce.
Can I make this stir fry spicier or milder?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance, or swap it out for a milder chili sauce if you prefer less heat.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp in this recipe?
Cooking the veggies over medium-high heat with just a bit of water steam them quickly while keeping their crunch. Avoid overcooking to maintain that perfect crisp-tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe is a true weeknight superhero—quick, delicious, and wholesome. It’s the perfect dish to bring some excitement into your routine while still feeling like a homemade, comforting meal. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it yours; I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time!
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Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe
This Ginger Ground Beef and Veggie Stir Fry is a quick and healthy one-pan meal perfect for busy nights. It combines savory ground beef with fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper, all tossed in a flavorful ginger, garlic, and sriracha-based sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this stir fry is delicious served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and texture.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 large carrots, cut into ½-inch rounds
- 1 bell pepper, cut into ½-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons water (divided)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari, or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (Yellowbird recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon tapioca starch (or arrowroot powder)
For Garnishing and Serving:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sriracha (for drizzling)
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. If using extra lean beef (90/10), add a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the browned beef and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the onions cook, whisk together the sauce ingredients—coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and tapioca starch—in a small glass or measuring cup. Ensure the tapioca starch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth without lumps.
- Add the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and onions, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Remove Beef Mixture: Remove the beef mixture from the pan and set aside. Leave the flavorful browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan as the water bubbles to deglaze and lift the browned bits, which will season the vegetables.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, carrot rounds, and bell pepper strips to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high, toss the vegetables, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of water. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and vegetables are cooked through but still vibrant.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef mixture to the pan with the veggies and give everything a gentle toss to combine and heat through if desired. Serve the stir fry with cooked rice if using, and garnish with sliced green onions, a drizzle of sriracha, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your flavorful and nourishing meal!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef but add a bit of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Tapioca starch helps thicken the sauce, but arrowroot can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha for preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure tamari or coconut aminos are used instead of regular soy sauce.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free