A quick and savory stir fry made with seasoned ground beef, crisp green beans, and julienned carrots in a rich garlic-soy glaze. Served with a fluffy dome of jasmine rice, this balanced dish is a weeknight favorite that’s bold in flavor and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Carrots is the perfect answer to your midweek dinner dilemma. It comes together in under 30 minutes, uses common pantry staples, and delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and umami-packed sauce. It’s also highly customizable, budget-friendly, and pairs perfectly with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

ingredients

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

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cups green beans, trimmed and halved
2 carrots, julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp ground black pepper
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

directions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in green beans and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
6. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a keto-friendly meal.
• More Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra nutrition and color.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it. This dish is also freezer-friendly for up to 2 months—freeze in individual portions for quick lunches.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans and carrots can be used. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.

What rice goes best with this stir fry?

Steamed jasmine rice is ideal, but brown rice, basmati, or even noodles work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all the ingredients, but cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this dish spicy?

No, the original recipe is mild, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili sauce or pepper flakes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this dish stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

You can substitute with extra hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar.

Do I need a wok to make this?

No, a large skillet works just as well for this recipe.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Cook the vegetables quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking to retain their crispness.

Can I add noodles to this stir fry?

Yes, cooked rice noodles or lo mein noodles make a great addition or substitute for rice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free versions of soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Carrots is a fast, flavorful, and versatile meal that fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing taste. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a dependable go-to that can be easily adapted to suit dietary needs, preferences, or whatever you have on hand.

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