Ground Beef Stir Fry (Quick 20-Minute Dinner)

This ground beef stir fry is fast, cheap, and full of flavor — a perfect answer to the what’s-for-dinner scramble. Ground beef browns in minutes, then gets tossed with crisp vegetables and a simple savory sauce.

Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that beats takeout and comes together in 20 minutes.

Why you’ll love this ground beef stir fry

• Budget-friendly: ground beef makes it affordable.
• 20 minutes: faster than delivery.
• One pan: everything cooks in the same skillet or wok.
• Flexible: use whatever vegetables you have.

Ingredients you’ll need

Have everything chopped before you start; stir-fries move quickly.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, carrot, snap peas, bell pepper)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Green onion and sesame seeds, to garnish

How to make ground beef stir fry (step by step)

1. Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then set the sauce aside.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and vegetables, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender.
4. Pour in the sauce and toss for 1-2 minutes until everything is glossy and coated.
5. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, and serve over rice.

Food safety: cook ground beef to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). An instant-read thermometer is the surest way to check — see the FoodSafety.gov chart.

Tips for the best results

• Prep first. Have everything ready since stir-frying is fast.
• High heat. Keep the pan hot so the veggies stay crisp.
• Drain the beef. Removing excess grease keeps the sauce from turning oily.

Variations & substitutions

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Add a squirt of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.
• Serve over noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats quickly and makes great lunches. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions

What vegetables work best in a beef stir fry?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and onions all work. Frozen stir-fry mixes are a great shortcut.

How do I keep the stir fry from being greasy?

Drain the ground beef after browning. Using leaner beef also helps.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes. Whisk it together and refrigerate for up to a week. Give it a stir before adding to the pan.

What should I serve it over?

Steamed rice is classic, but noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well.