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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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