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Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini, Mushrooms, and Maple Soy Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

A quick and flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry combining tender ground beef with fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots, enhanced by a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice or in lettuce cups.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 1 pound 80-20 ground beef

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free Tamari recommended)
  • 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
  • 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated (or 1 cube frozen ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to blend all the flavors and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned to develop flavor. Transfer the beef to a separate bowl, keeping the rendered fat and oil in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add additional oil if needed. Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and julienned carrot. Sauté and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is half cooked but still crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture as vegetables will continue cooking with the sauce.
  4. Add Ground Beef and Sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is fragrant and the garlic and ginger are lightly cooked. This step also ensures zucchini reaches a perfect crisp-tender texture.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove the stir fry from heat. Serve hot over freshly cooked rice or spoon into lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free Tamari if avoiding gluten.
  • Do not overcook the vegetables to keep a nice crunch.
  • Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for variation.
  • Leftovers keep well stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/ground-beef-stir-fry-with-zucchini-mushrooms-and-maple-soy-sauce-recipe/