Savory Ground Beef Stir Fry

This Ground Beef Stir Fry brings together tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of dish that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight when you want something both flavorful and quick without sacrificing a bit of comfort.

I first made this to clear out some veggies in my fridge and was amazed how well the flavors melded. It quickly became our go-to stir fry that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients You Need

• Garlic salt: for a mild garlicky base that elevates the beef
• Onion powder and celery salt: boost the savory profile and complement fresh vegetables
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat and complexity
• Cornstarch mixed with cold water: creates a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every ingredient
• Beef broth and chicken broth: bring natural umami and balance the soy sauce's saltiness
• Soy sauce: contributes the salty, savory foundation for the stir fry sauce& choose low sodium for better control
• Honey: gently sweetens the sauce, balancing out the soy and spice elements
• Minced garlic and ground ginger: offer essential warmth and aromatic depth
• Hot sauce: kicks up the heat slightly but can be adjusted to your taste preference
• Ground beef: provides rich protein with tender texture& opt for lean cuts to limit grease
• Peanut oil: is perfect for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle nutty flavor
• Dry white wine: adds acidity and complexity, helping to deglaze the pan and lift flavors
• Broccoli florets, green beans, mushrooms, onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and celery: bring a variety of textures, colors, and nutrients& fresh and firm vegetables produce the best results
• Cooked rice: serves as the comforting base soaking up every bit of sauce& jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Flavor Base:

Whisk garlic salt, onion powder, celery salt, and black pepper together then set aside to let the spices meld. Whisk cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry, and separately mix beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, and ground ginger. These preparations make the cooking flow smoother and flavors consistent.

Brown The Beef:

Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until evenly browned with no pink showing. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from getting oily.

Cook The Vegetables:

Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook gently until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add mushrooms, carrots, red bell pepper, and celery. Stir and cook until vegetables start to soften but remain crisp-tender, about another 3 to 5 minutes.

Deglaze The Pan:

Pour in the white wine and gently scrape any browned bits off the pan bottom, letting it cook for about one minute. This step adds savory depth and helps build your sauce’s flavor.

Add Broth Mixture and Thicken:

Pour in the broth mixture prepared earlier and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce becomes thick and glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Finish With Fresh Crunch:

Add broccoli florets and green beans, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still bright and fresh.

Serve Over Rice:

Spoon the stir fry generously over freshly cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired for a bit of garnish and texture.

I love how the mix of fresh vegetables contrasts with the beef and sauce. It reminds me of the first time I made this recipe for a family dinner where even the kids eagerly asked for seconds.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing cooked stir fry with rice together as the texture may become mushy& freeze components separately instead.

Ingredient Variations

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist while keeping all the same flavor boosts. Swap the peanut oil for sesame oil if you want a more pronounced nutty aroma. Add snap peas or baby corn in place of green beans for different seasonal crunch options.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for refreshing balance. A side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls complements the savory main nicely. For drinks, a chilled light lager or jasmine green tea pairs well with the vibrant flavors.

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is one of those dishes that fits like a favorite cozy sweater. It’s hearty yet fresh and has become a beloved staple in my kitchen when life gets busy but the craving for a delicious homemade meal remains strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of beef works best for this stir fry?

Ground beef with moderate fat content provides good flavor and tenderness. Lean options can be used for a lighter dish.

→ Can I substitute the white wine?

Dry sherry or additional beef broth can replace white wine without compromising flavor.

→ How do I achieve crisp-tender vegetables?

Cook vegetables over medium-high heat for just a few minutes until bright and slightly firm to retain texture and nutrients.

→ What thickens the sauce in this dish?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) is added towards the end of cooking to thicken the savory sauce.

→ What is a good serving suggestion?

Serve the beef and vegetable mix over freshly cooked rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

→ Can I customize the vegetables used?

Yes, feel free to swap or add vegetables based on preference and availability, such as snap peas or bell peppers.