“This Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry is the ultimate quick and comforting dinner. Juicy beef crumbles are coated in a sweet and nutty sesame sauce, tossed with vibrant veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a delicious way to bring bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort!”
“Succulent ground beef, seared to perfection, mingles with a medley of colorful vegetables and a glossy sesame-infused sauce. This stir fry delivers a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, perfect over a bed of fluffy rice or crisp lettuce cups.”
Full recipe
Ingredients:
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8 ounces lean ground beef
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½ cup finely diced onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ cup sliced celery
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½ cup chopped green cabbage
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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½ cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)
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4 cups cooked white rice or noodles
Sauce
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½ cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
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2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
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Directions
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and keep warm.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced celery and chopped cabbage, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minute
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Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet. Add the optional water chestnuts and the prepared sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Favorite
When it comes to quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinners, Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry stands tall among weeknight meal champions. Bursting with bold flavors, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is an absolute lifesaver when time is short but you still want a meal that feels wholesome and home-cooked.
Unlike more traditional stir-fries that require slicing up expensive cuts of steak or chicken, this recipe makes excellent use of lean ground beef a versatile and accessible ingredient that cooks rapidly and absorbs seasoning beautifully. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient, perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Why This Stir Fry Stands Out
One of the key attractions of the Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry is its ability to deliver complex flavors with minimal effort. Thanks to the deep, nutty notes from toasted sesame oil, the umami hit from soy and hoisin sauces, and the freshness of sautéed vegetables, every bite feels layered and exciting.
Ground beef naturally breaks up into tender, flavorful bits as it cooks, soaking up the aromatic garlic and ginger while mingling with the crunchy celery, sweet bell peppers, and cabbage. These textures and tastes combine to create a stir fry that’s both hearty and refreshing.
The sauce deserves special mention rich, glossy, and just thick enough to cling to each morsel of beef and vegetable. It’s not overpowering but brings a harmony of savory and sweet that defines great Asian-inspired stir fry dishes.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Many people associate stir fry with greasy takeout, but homemade versions like this one are typically much healthier. By controlling the type and amount of oil used, and by packing in plenty of fresh vegetables, you can create a balanced meal that offers both macro- and micronutrients.
Lean ground beef is a solid source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. It also provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers and cabbage not only adds vibrant color and crunch but also boosts the fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant content of the meal.
Using water chestnuts (optional in this recipe) adds an extra layer of crunch without adding many calories, while sesame oil, used sparingly, lends heart-healthy fats and a distinctive depth of flavor.
Moreover, serving the stir fry over white rice or noodles offers flexibility for various dietary needs. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can easily be substituted for added fiber or lower carbohydrate options, making the dish adaptable to a range of eating styles.
Tips for Customizing Your Stir Fry
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While the original calls for a specific mix of vegetables, it’s incredibly easy to swap in whatever you have on hand. Broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, or even a ready-made coleslaw mix can work wonderfully here.
If you’re in the mood for something a little spicier, a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste stirred into the sauce will give the dish a delightful heat. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter profile, adding a touch of brown sugar or honey will create a stickier, more teriyaki-like finish.
You can even adjust the protein. Though ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used with equally delicious results, making the dish suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.
How to Serve It
Serving options for Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry are plentiful. Traditionally, it’s spooned generously over a bed of steaming white rice, but don’t be afraid to get creative.
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Noodles: Toss the stir fry with cooked lo mein or ramen noodles for a comforting noodle bowl.
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Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the stir fry into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, hand-held version.
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Meal Prep Bowls: Layer the stir fry with cooked brown rice and steamed broccoli in meal prep containers for a week’s worth of healthy, grab-and-go lunches.
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Cauliflower Rice: For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, swapping rice for cauliflower rice keeps the dish satisfying without the added carbs.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions right before serving adds visual appeal and a subtle crunch, making the meal look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Storage and Reheating
Another huge advantage of this dish is how well it keeps. The flavors continue to meld and intensify as it sits, making leftovers arguably even better the next day.
Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats quickly in the microwave or a skillet with just a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in portion-sized bags; thaw and reheat when needed for a fast, delicious meal anytime.
When reheating, tossing in a handful of freshly shredded cabbage can reinvigorate the texture, keeping each meal feeling fresh.
Conclusion:
The Sesame Ground Beef Stir Fry isn’t just a recipe; it’s a reminder that satisfying, nutritious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish manages to hit all the right notes savory, sweet, crunchy, tender, and deeply comforting.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a new favorite to add to your weeknight rotation, this stir fry delivers every time. It’s endlessly adaptable, easy on the budget, and packed with flavor.
If you haven’t yet discovered the joys of cooking with ground beef beyond burgers and meatballs, this dish is the perfect place to start. It’s proof that with a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up a meal that feels special even on your busiest nights.