Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini, Mushrooms, and Maple Soy Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Stir Fry combines savory flavors with fresh vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. The blend of soy sauce, BBQ sauce, and maple syrup gives it a deliciously unique twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 80-20 ground beef
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (GF Tamari recommended)
• 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
• 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated or 1 cube frozen ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Brown the Beef – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, leaving any oil in the pan.
3. Step 3: Sauté the Veggies – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and carrot. Sauté and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is half cooked but still crunchy. Avoid overcooking to keep vegetables crisp-tender.
4. Step 4: Add the Ground Beef and Sauce – Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is fragrant and heated through. The vegetables should be crisp-tender at this point.
5. Step 5: Season and Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Swap BBQ sauce with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring your soy sauce or tamari is certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef and vegetables separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving for best freshness.

What can I serve this stir fry with?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini, Mushrooms, and Maple Soy Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful and quick Ground Beef Stir Fry featuring tender ground beef, fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry is vibrant, easy to prepare, and can be served over rice or in lettuce cups.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound 80-20 ground beef

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchini (sliced)
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella (sliced)
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)

Sauce

• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free Tamari used)
• 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
• 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves (grated or minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated, or 1 cube frozen ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, grated garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Set the sauce mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 5 minutes or until it is fully cooked and lightly browned. This step not only ensures the beef is cooked through but also builds rich flavor through caramelization. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, leaving any rendered fat or oil in the pan.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a small amount of oil if needed, then add the sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and julienned carrot. Sauté and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the zucchini is halfway cooked and still crunchy. Avoid overcooking so the vegetables remain crisp-tender after adding the sauce.
4. Add the Ground Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and fragrant. This allows the garlic and ginger to cook lightly while the vegetables reach a perfect crisp-tender texture.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the stir fry and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove from heat and serve immediately over freshly cooked rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if you like for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

• Use 80-20 ground beef for best flavor and texture due to fat content.
• Do not overcook the vegetables to keep them crunchy and fresh.
• Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can be used for those avoiding gluten.
• Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of maple syrup or BBQ sauce.
• Optional garnish with chives or green onions adds a nice fresh bite and color contrast.
• Can be served over rice or as a low-carb option in lettuce cups.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion

Keywords: Ground Beef Stir Fry, Easy Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Healthy Beef Stir Fry, Gluten Free Stir Fry