# Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Fast and Tasty Dinner
This ground beef stir fry delivers a pleasing takeout-inspired flavor, showcasing crisp vegetables and a flavorful hoisin-ginger sauce, all prepared in roughly 30 minutes. It’s an energetic and rapid dinner choice that complements rice or noodles wonderfully.
## Reasons to Make It
– **Quick Cooking:** Ground beef cooks swiftly, making this dish perfect for hectic weeknights.
– **Easy Sauce:** The sauce can be prepared in a single bowl, streamlining the cooking steps.
– **Single-Pan Meal:** This recipe simplifies cleanup and is an excellent way to utilize leftover vegetables.
## Time-Saving Tip
Employ a bag of coleslaw mix or pre-cut stir-fry vegetables to reduce preparation time.
## Required Tools
A large skillet or wok is crucial for tossing the beef and vegetables without crowding the pan.
## Serving Ideas
Present the stir fry on top of rice or noodles, or choose cauliflower rice or lettuce cups for a lighter alternative.
## Ingredient Tips
– **Beef:** Opt for lean ground beef to prevent greasiness. If using a higher-fat variety, drain excess fat to maintain a smooth sauce.
– **Vegetables:** Cut vegetables thinly and evenly for uniform cooking.
– **Sauce:** The sauce is a mix of savory and sweet. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake, and ensure the cornstarch is whisked well for proper thickening.
## Preferred Variations
– Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
– Add vegetables such as broccoli stems, snap peas, or additional bell peppers.
– Toss in water chestnuts for added crunch.
– For heat, include red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.
## Steps to Create Ground Beef Stir Fry
1. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, blend beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with garlic and ginger over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer to a bowl.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** In the same skillet, warm oil and sauté vegetables, starting with those that take longer to cook like celery and carrots, then adding quicker-cooking options like bell peppers.
4. **Mix and Simmer:** Return the beef to the skillet, add the sauce, and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. **Serve:** Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
## Storage and Reheating
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (avoid freezing rice or noodles). Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave, stirring halfway through.
## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 471
– **Carbohydrates:** 60g
– **Protein:** 17g
– **Fat:** 18g
– **Sodium:** 744mg
– **Fiber:** 3g
– **Sugar:** 6g
This ground beef stir fry is not only quick and simple to make but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Savor a colorful and delicious meal that brings takeout flavors right to your home!