This Ground Beef Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight meal! Ready in less than 30 minutes and made in one pan! This easy beef stir fry features tons of veggies served in a sweet and tangy sauce!

ground beef stir fry with veggies over rice on a bowl
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Prep ahead. Stir fry moves fast, so chop your veggies, measure your sauces, and keep everything within reach before you turn on the heat.
  • Give your ingredients room to brown. Use the widest skillet or a wok so the veggies can sear and caramelize instead of steaming in a crowded pan.
  • Don’t overwork the beef. Let the marinated ground beef cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop color before stirring. Browning adds big flavor.
  • Adjust the heat to your taste. Korean chili flakes add a warm kick, use less for a mild version or sprinkle extra on top if you like things spicy.
  • Make it gluten-free. Swap low-sodium soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and check labels on chili flakes and curry powder to ensure everything is gluten-free.
Kelley

Ground Beef Stir Fry Ingredients

ground beef stir fry ingredients on white counter top
  • Ground Beef – Quick-cooking protein that easily absorbs flavor from the marinade.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds salty, umami depth without overpowering the dish.
  • Garlic & Ginger – Bring bold, fresh aromatics and classic stir fry flavor.
  • Seasonings – A mix of Oriental curry powder, paprika & Korean chili flakes layer warmth, spice, and a little heat.
  • Baking Soda & Cornstarch – Tenderize the beef and help it brown beautifully.
  • Red Onion, Bell Peppers & Carrots – Colorful veggies that stay crisp-tender and add natural sweetness and crunch.
  • Rice Vinegar – Gives a tangy balance to the savory sauce.
  • Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil – Provides that nutty, signature stir fry finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Stir Fry

  1. Marinate Beef: Add ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, curry powder, paprika, chili, baking soda, and cornstarch to a large bowl. Mix to combine then let sit while you prepare the rest of the stir fry.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Heat 1 tbsp of oil In a large pan or a wok over high heat. Sauté vegetables until caramelized on the outside and tender, 4-5 minutes. Remove the veggies from the pan and set aside.
marinated ground beef in seasonings and sauces for stir fry
sautéed carrots, bell peppers and onions on white plate
  1. Cook Beef: Return the pan to the stove and add in the remaining 1 tbsp of avocado oil. Add beef mixture to the pan and spread into a thin layer. Allow the meat to get crispy for 1-2 minutes on one side before flipping and breaking it up into crumbles. 
  2. Assemble / Add In Sauce: When almost all of the pink has been cooked out, return vegetables to pan and allow to heat back up. Add in sauce ingredients, stir to combine and remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
stir frying ground beef in large white pan
adding sautéed veggies to stir fried ground beef

What to Serve With Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry FAQ

How many minutes to stir fry ground beef?

The trick to a good stir fry is high heat and quick cooking! I like to stir fry ground beef for 4 minutes or so over high heat or until it’s no longer pink and gets golden brown and crispy on the outside.

How to store leftovers?

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before sealing. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until warm. If the stir fry seems dry, splash in a little water, broth, or soy sauce to loosen the sauce.

If you love this ground beef stir fry, don’t stop there! Check out more of my stir fry creations, like Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry, or my Beef Lo Mein Recipe for even more quick, flavorful weeknight meals.

ground beef stir fry with sesame seeds on top

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    Recipe

    Ground Beef Stir Fry

    This ultra-flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero! It’s packed with tender beef, crisp veggies, and a sweet-and-savory sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that checks all the boxes.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Serves 4 servings
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    Beef Marinade

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tsp Oriental Curry Powder
    • 1/4 tsp baking soda
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1/2 tsp korean chili flakes
    • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp grated ginger
    • 1 tbsp avocado oil for cooking

    Vegetables

    • 1 medium red onion
    • 1 medium red bell pepper, large dice
    • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, large diced
    • 2 carrots, sliced thin
    • 1 tbsp avocado oil

    Sauce Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

    Garnish

    • toasted sesame seeds
    • korean chili flakes
    • green onions, chopped

    Instructions

    • Marinate Beef: Add ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, curry powder, paprika, chili, baking soda, and cornstarch to a large bowl.
      Mix to combine then let sit while you prepare the rest of the stir fry.
    • Sauté Veggies: Heat 1 tbsp of oil In a large pan or a wok over high heat.
      Sauté vegetables until caramelized on the outside and tender, 4-5 minutes. Remove the veggies from the pan and set aside.
    • Cook Beef: Return the pan to the stove and add in the remaining 1 tbsp of avocado oil. Add beef mixture to the pan and spread into a thin layer.
      Allow the meat to get crispy for a minute or 2 on one side before flipping and breaking it up into crumbles.
    • Assemble / Add In Sauce: When almost all of the pink has been cooked out, return vegetables to pan and allow to heat back up.
      Add in sauce ingredients, stir to combine and remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

    Notes

    • Prep ahead. Stir fry moves fast, so chop your veggies, measure your sauces, and keep everything within reach before you turn on the heat.
    • Shortcut the chopping. Don’t want to spend time slicing veggies? Check the pre-cut produce, frozen stir fry blends, or salad bar section to cut your prep in half and keep this a super fast weeknight dinner.
    • Give your ingredients room to brown. Use the widest skillet or a wok so the veggies can sear and caramelize instead of steaming in a crowded pan.
    • Don’t overwork the beef. Let the marinated ground beef cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop color before stirring. Browning adds big flavor.
    • Adjust the heat to your taste. Korean chili flakes add a warm kick, use less for a mild version or sprinkle extra on top if you like things spicy.
    • Make it gluten-free. Swap low-sodium soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and check labels on chili flakes and curry powder to ensure everything is gluten-free.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 477kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 22gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 752mgPotassium: 674mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 6412IUVitamin C: 97mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg

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