This Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Carrots is a quick, balanced, and flavorful dish inspired by Asian cuisine. Tender ground beef is stir-fried with crisp green beans, sweet julienned carrots, and aromatic garlic and ginger—all coated in a savory sauce. Perfectly paired with jasmine rice, it’s an ideal 30-minute dinner solution for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry combines speed, taste, and versatility into one satisfying meal. Here’s what makes it a standout:

• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs
• Family-friendly and easy to customize
• Uses pantry staples for the sauce
• Great for meal prep or lunch leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 ½ cups green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Add the green beans and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss everything well to combine.
7. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the ingredients thoroughly.
8. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with chili flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a chopped chili pepper or more chili flakes to the sauce.
• Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra color and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Use Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free versions of oyster and hoisin sauces.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the stir-fry looks dry.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. Store in containers with rice for quick lunches or dinners.

Do I need a wok to make this?

No, a large skillet works just as well for stir-frying in this recipe.

What type of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef (85–90%) for the best balance of flavor and reduced grease.

Can I freeze this stir-fry?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use mushroom sauce or increase the hoisin sauce slightly for a similar umami flavor.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Do not overcook them. Stir-fry just until they are tender-crisp, and keep the heat high during cooking.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s mild in flavor and can be made without chili flakes. You can also cut the vegetables smaller for easier eating.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Absolutely. This dish pairs well with cooked lo mein noodles, rice noodles, or even soba.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water during the final minutes of cooking.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

Use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar or honey for a similar sweet-savory effect.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Carrots is a quick, satisfying meal full of flavor and nutrition. With its savory sauce, crisp vegetables, and hearty ground beef, it’s a perfect one-pan solution for busy evenings. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this dish is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

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