Tasty Beef Stir Fry

This Ground Beef Stir Fry mixes juicy beef with crunchy veggies and a tasty sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s a great go-to for busy evenings when you want something quick and satisfying without losing that warm, homemade feel.

I whipped this up once to use some extra veggies and was surprised by how well everything clicked. Now it’s our favorite stir fry, even the pickiest folks ask for it again.

What You Need

• Onion powder and celery salt: add savory tones that blend nicely with the fresh veggies
• Dry white wine: brightens flavors and helps scrape all the tasty bits off the pan
• Ground beef: the main hearty protein; choose lean to keep things light
• Honey: sweetens the sauce just a touch to balance salty and spicy notes
• Broccoli florets, green beans, mushrooms, onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and celery: mix of colors and textures that keep it lively; fresher vegetables work best
• Black pepper: adds just a little heat and depth
• Hot sauce: spice it up a bit or leave it out if you like less kick
• Cooked rice: soft base that soaks up all the yummy sauce; jasmine or basmati are great choices
• Beef broth and chicken broth: bring a natural savoriness that balances the salty soy
• Minced garlic and ground ginger: bring essential warmth and tasty aroma
• Peanut oil: great for cooking at high heat and adds a slight nutty flavor
• Cornstarch mixed with cold water: makes the sauce shiny and nice and thick so it sticks
• Soy sauce: salty base that pulls the whole dish together; low sodium works best
• Garlic salt: gentle garlic flavor that lifts the beef

Step-by-Step Cooking

Put Together the Spice Mix:

Mix garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, and black pepper and set it aside so the flavors blend well. Stir cornstarch into cold water until smooth. Then mix together the broths, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, and ginger in another bowl to make cooking easier and tastier.

Cook the Beef:

Heat peanut oil in a wok or large pan on medium-high until it’s shimmering. Toss in the ground beef and break it up. Cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain extra fat to keep it from getting greasy.

Sauté the Veggies:

Throw in sliced onion first; cook it gently for about 3 to 5 minutes until soft. Next, add mushrooms, carrots, red pepper, and celery. Stir and cook just long enough for them to be tender but still a little crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes more.

Add the Wine:

Pour in the white wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom with a spoon. Let it cook a minute to build rich flavors in the sauce.

Pour in Broths and Thicken Sauce:

Add the broth mix and bring it to a low simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mix and cook 1 to 2 minutes until sauce thickens and looks glossy.

Finish with Crunchy Veggies:

Stir in broccoli and green beans. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, letting them soften but stay bright and crisp.

Dish Up with Rice:

Serve the stir fry hot over rice. Sprinkle green onions or sesame seeds on top if you like for a little extra crunch and flavor.

I really like how the fresh veggies bring out a great contrast with the meat and sauce. It reminds me of when I first cooked this and the kids kept coming back for seconds.

Best Way to Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Flavors get even better overnight. Warm it up gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the sauce feels thick. Avoid freezing it with rice since it can turn mushy; freeze them separately if you want to save some.

Swap It Up

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter take that still packs flavor. Switch peanut oil for sesame oil if you want a nuttier scent. Try adding snap peas or baby corn instead of green beans to mix things up with a seasonal crunch.

Tasty Side Ideas

Pair this with a fresh cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and a hint of sugar for a cool touch. Steamed dumplings or spring rolls are great on the side too. For drinks, a cold light lager or jasmine green tea match perfectly with the flavors.

This Ground Beef Stir Fry feels like your favorite comfy meal. It’s filling but fresh and has quickly become a staple when life is busy but you still want something homemade and tasty.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which beef is best for this stir fry?

Ground beef with some fat is best for flavor and tenderness. You can use leaner beef if you want it lighter.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

Dry sherry or extra beef broth works well as a substitute without losing flavor.

→ How do I keep veggies crisp and tender?

Cook them on medium-high heat for just a few minutes until they’re bright and still firm to keep their crunch and nutrients.

→ What makes the sauce thick?

A mix of cold water and cornstarch added near the end of cooking thickens the sauce nicely.

→ Any tips for serving?

Put the beef and veggies over hot, freshly made rice to make a complete and tasty meal.

→ Can I change up the vegetables?

Absolutely, swap or add whatever veggies you like, such as snap peas or more bell peppers.