You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically appear? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why this Healthy Ground Beef & Veggie Stir Fry is my go-to. It’s the answer to the eternal question of what to feed your crew that’s fast, filling, and actually good for them. We’re talking one skillet, about 20 minutes, and a whole lot of flavor. Who says a weeknight dinner can’t be both easy and healthy?
Top Reasons To Make It
This dish is a total workhorse, and here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my rotation. First, it’s incredibly fast. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes is a win in my book. Second, it’s a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge meal. Got a lonely bell pepper or a half bag of carrots? Toss ’em in! And third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The savory beef and colorful veggies make it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the kind of easy healthy dinner that just makes life simpler.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 is perfect for less grease)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (for that classic stir-fry bite and nutrients)
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced (brings a touch of sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (the flavor foundation, non-negotiable!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (adds a bright, zesty kick)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons honey (balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (gives that essential tangy note)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (just a dash for that authentic, nutty finish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for a fresh garnish on top)
- Cooked brown rice or whole wheat noodles, for serving (to soak up all that delicious sauce)
Instructions
- Get your rice or noodles cooking according to package directions so they’re ready when the stir fry is.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the empty space. Let the veggies sear for a minute before stirring them into the beef. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the veggies are bright and just starting to get tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center of the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until they become incredibly fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggie mixture. Give everything a good stir to coat and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to everything.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top and give it one final stir. Taste it. Honestly, this is the best part. Serve immediately over your prepared rice or noodles, and garnish with those fresh green onions.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic template. Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground substitute is great. Not a fan of broccoli? Swap in snap peas, sliced zucchini, or even cauliflower florets. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup does the trick. And if you need to keep things gluten-free, just use tamari instead of soy sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it one of the most versatile easy weeknight dinners.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This stir fry is a complete meal all on its own, but I love serving it over a bed of fluffy brown rice or whole wheat noodles to soak up that amazing sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is fantastic. A simple side of sliced cucumbers with a little sprinkle of salt or a quick side salad with a light ginger dressing rounds it out perfectly. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that feels like a treat.
Storage & Reheating
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Just warm a little splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, add the stir fry, and stir until it’s heated through. This keeps the veggies from getting mushy. You can also use the microwave, but stir it halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the veggies can lose their texture when thawed.
Pro Tips For Perfect Stir Fry
- Prep everything before you start cooking. Stir fries come together fast, so having your veggies chopped and sauce mixed is a game-changer.
- Get that pan screaming hot. A hot skillet is the secret to getting a good sear on your beef and keeping your veggies crisp, not soggy.
- Don’t crowd the pan. If you add too much at once, everything will steam instead of sauté. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in two batches.
- Resist the urge to stir constantly. Let the veggies sit for a minute against the hot pan to get a little color and char. It adds so much flavor.
- That final drizzle of sesame oil is non-negotiable. It adds a deep, nutty flavor that cooked sesame oil just can’t provide.
- And taste as you go! Your palate is the best tool in your kitchen. Need more salt? A splash more soy sauce. More tang? A quick squeeze of lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables? You absolutely can! It’s a great shortcut for easy meals. No need to thaw—just add them directly to the hot pan. You might need to cook them a minute or two longer, and expect a bit more liquid in the pan.
- Is this stir fry kid-friendly? It sure is! The sauce is savory and slightly sweet, which most kids love. If you have really picky eaters, you can serve the components separately—beef on one side, plain rice, and veggies on the other.
- How can I make this dish spicier? If your family loves heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Let everyone adjust the spice level at the table with extra hot sauce.
- What other cheap dinners for a family can I make with ground beef? Ground beef is such a versatile star. Think classic tacos, a simple sloppy joe mix, or a hearty chili. All are fantastic, budget-friendly dinner ideas.