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Healthy Ground Beef Stir Fry - Quick, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, small bite-size pieces
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced into matchsticks or coins
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas or green beans, trimmed
  • 2 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional, to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • Cooked brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or whole-grain noodles
  • Lime wedges and extra chili flakes

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, broth, sriracha (if using), and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prep the veggies: Slice onion and bell pepper, cut broccoli into small florets, slice carrots, and trim snap peas. Keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and the white parts of the green onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  5. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn.
  6. Cook the veggies: Add onion, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir fry 3–4 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook 2 more minutes. Veggies should be crisp-tender.
  7. Sauce it up: Whisk the sauce once more, then pour it over the beef and vegetables. Toss well. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  8. Finish: Turn off heat. Stir in the green parts of the green onions. Taste and adjust with a splash of soy sauce, a squeeze of lime, or more chili for heat.
  9. Serve: Spoon over your base of choice. Garnish with sesame seeds and an extra squeeze of lime if you like.