Prep: 8 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Total: 20 mins
Serves: 4 | Best for: busy weeknights + meal prep + one-pan cleanup
If you want a fast dinner that tastes like takeout (but takes 20 minutes and one pan), this honey garlic ground beef stir fry is the move. The sauce is sweet, savory, and a little sticky, the beef stays juicy, and you can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.
The secret is a quick sauce made with pantry staples, plus a short simmer at the end so it coats everything. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even shredded cabbage for a lighter bowl.
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Looking for more quick dinners? Visit my Best Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners hub.
Best Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- One pan and easy cleanup
- Sticky honey garlic sauce that tastes “restaurant-style”
- Easy to customize with any veggies
- Great for meal prep (reheats well)
Ingredients
Stir fry
- 1 lb (450–500 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tbsp oil (optional, only if beef is very lean)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2–3 cups mixed vegetables (choose 2–3):
- broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, snap peas, carrots, zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
Honey garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if possible)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, adds glossy “takeout” vibe)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For serving (optional)
- cooked rice or noodles
- sesame seeds + sliced green onions
- chili flakes or sriracha (if you want heat)
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef Stir Fry
1) Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning adds real flavor.
If there’s excess grease, drain most of it (leave a little for taste).
2) Add onion + veggies
Add onion and cook 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add vegetables and cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
3) Add garlic + ginger
Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
4) Make the sauce (fast)
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and ketchup (if using).
In another small cup, mix cornstarch + water to make a slurry.
5) Simmer until sticky
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir. Add the slurry and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats everything. Turn off heat.
Taste and adjust:
- too salty → add 1–2 tsp honey or a splash of water
- not sweet enough → add 1 tsp honey
- want heat → chili flakes or sriracha
What to Serve With It
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Noodles (ramen, rice noodles, lo mein)
- Cauliflower rice (lighter)
- A quick cucumber salad on the side
Add this after serving ideas:
If you want another cozy dinner, try my Juicy Ground Beef Meatballs (Oven-Baked + Tender).
Juicy Ground Beef Meatballs (Oven-Baked + Tender)
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the veggies—crisp-tender is best.
- Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest result.
- If your sauce thickens too much, loosen with 1–2 tbsp water.
- For extra shine, keep ketchup in the sauce (optional but effective).
- Meal prep tip: keep rice separate so it doesn’t get soggy.
Add this line after tips:
For an easy one-pan comfort meal, don’t miss my Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner (One-Pan Meal).
Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner (One-Pan Meal)
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts.
Freezer (optional): Freeze the cooked beef + veggies (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
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For the most up-to-date food safety recommendations, check the official guidance at FoodSafety.gov.
FAQ
Can I make this without cornstarch?
Yes. The sauce will be thinner. You can simmer 2–3 minutes longer to reduce, or use flour slurry as a backup.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes—add them straight to the skillet, but cook a bit longer until hot and crisp-tender.
Is this good for meal prep?
Very. It reheats well and stays flavorful. Keep rice or noodles separate for best texture.