### Turning Ground Beef into a Fast and Flavorful Stir Fry
Did you realize that ground beef can be converted into a fast and tasty stir fry? This adaptable ingredient can act as the base for a delicious meal that is not only simple to make but also loaded with nutrients. The subsequent recipe for Ground Beef Stir Fry illustrates how well-seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a quick sesame sauce can merge to form a delightful dinner for a weeknight.
#### Why Choose Ground Beef Stir Fry?
Ground beef is a common item in many kitchens owing to its low cost and flexibility. When paired with fresh vegetables and a rich sauce, it turns into a healthy and fulfilling meal. This stir fry is especially attractive for hectic weeknights, as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy families.
#### Highlights of the Recipe
– **Taste**: The sauce for this stir fry is a delicious mix of sweet and savory notes, ensuring it’s not too sweet while remaining satisfying.
– **Simple to Prepare**: This recipe is crafted for one skillet cooking, reducing cleanup effort. To streamline the cooking process, chop all vegetables ahead of time.
– **Cutting Technique**: Slicing vegetables on the bias (diagonally) enhances their surface area, which improves stir frying and elevates their texture.
– **Cost-Effective**: This recipe makes just ½ pound of ground beef stretch to feed four people, offering a budget-friendly meal option.
– **Flexible Ingredients**: The recipe incorporates straightforward ingredients, enabling substitutions with any vegetables you have available, making it adaptable to your pantry.
– **Serving Ideas**: Serve the stir fry on a bed of rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
#### Tips on Ingredients
1. **Beef**: Choose lean ground beef (80/20) and drain any excess fat post-browning. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes if preferred.
2. **Vegetables**: A combination of onion, celery, cabbage, and bell pepper provides crunch and vibrancy to the meal. For ease, you may utilize a pre-packaged coleslaw mix or any preferred vegetables at hand.
3. **Sauce**: The sauce consists of beef broth, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a dash of hoisin sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful base.
#### Options for Customization
– **Add Spice**: For those who like a bit of heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes, chile paste, or sriracha into the sauce.
– **Reduce Prep Time**: To cut down on prep time, a frozen stir-fry vegetable mix can be used instead of fresh vegetables.
– **Enhance Sweetness**: If a sweeter sauce is desired, just mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar.
#### Steps to Prepare Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry
1. **Make the Sauce**: Whisk together the sauce ingredients (beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch) in a small bowl and set it aside.
2. **Brown the Beef**: In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef with garlic and ginger over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to a bowl to keep warm.
3. **Sauté Vegetables**: In the same skillet, heat oil and toss in the celery and cabbage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, then add the bell peppers and stir for another 2-3 minutes.
4. **Mix and Simmer**: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir to blend. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce has thickened.
5. **Serve**: Dish up the stir fry over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
#### Keeping Leftovers
– **Refrigerating**: Store any extra stir fry in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
– **Freezing**: For longer storage, freeze portions in zip storage bags. When reheating, add freshly shredded cabbage to restore crunch.
– **Reheating**: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water to help loosen the ingredients.
### Final Thoughts
This straightforward Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is an excellent way to savor a quick, healthy meal that is guaranteed to satisfy the entire family. With customizable components and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll wish to incorporate into your weekly meal plan. Enjoy the tastes and convenience of this delightful stir fry, and please leave a rating and comment if you give it a try!