Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients
- 8 ounces lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sliced celery
- ½ cup chopped green cabbage
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup sliced water chestnuts, drained (optional)
- 4 cups cooked white rice or noodles
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and keep warm.
- Step 3: Add olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the celery and cabbage for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4: Return the beef mixture to the skillet along with the water chestnuts (if using). Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Serve the stir fry over cooked white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier twist, add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Mix in other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added crunch and color.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain vegetable texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your hoisin sauce is gluten-free, you can easily make this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef and vegetables ahead and store them separately from the sauce and rice. Combine and reheat everything just before serving for the best texture.
PrintGround Beef Stir Fry Recipe
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef sautéed with fresh vegetables like celery, cabbage, and bell peppers, all tossed in a savory hoisin-soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender beef with crisp veggies and a luscious, thickened sauce served over steaming white rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 8 ounces lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup sliced celery
- ½ cup chopped green cabbage
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup sliced water chestnuts (drained, optional)
Sauces & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Base
- 4 cups cooked white rice (or noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir well to blend and set aside.
- Cook beef and aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion softens. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a bowl and keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil. Add sliced celery and chopped cabbage; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the sliced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine and thicken sauce: Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet along with the sliced water chestnuts if using. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients well.
- Serve: Spoon the beef stir fry over cooked white rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify hoisin sauce ingredients or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.
- Water chestnuts add a crunchy texture but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to taste for spiciness and aroma.
- This dish pairs well with steamed or stir-fried greens as a side.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, beef stir fry recipe, quick stir fry, hoisin beef recipe, healthy stir fry

