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Are you looking for a budget-friendly(BF) yet flavorful weeknight dinner option? Look no further than our budget-friendly ground beef stir-fry (BF). This recipe is not only affordable but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those busy evenings when you crave a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Let us find out How to prepare budget friendly yet delicious Ground Beef Stir-Fry (BF),
Ingredients (Serving Size: 4)
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli)
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Kitchen Materials
– Large skillet or wok(makes it easier to mix)
– Spatula or wooden spoon
– Cutting board and knife
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the stir-fry sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside. Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet, creating space for the vegetables. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Pour the stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Below are some common recipes to elevate your beef stir-fry dining experience
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
you can start by browning 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a pan. Add 3 cups (300g) of shredded cabbage and 1 cup (150g) of sliced bell peppers. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Begin by browning 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a pan. Add 2 cups (250g) of broccoli florets and 1 cup (150g) of sliced mushrooms. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir-fry until the broccoli is tender and the sauce thickens.
Ground Beef Stir Fry with Rice
For the Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Rice, start by cooking 1 cup (200g) of rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. Add 1 cup (150g) of diced carrots, 1 cup (150g) of sliced snow peas, and 1 cup (150g) of sliced bell peppers. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a pan. Add 1 cup (150g) of sliced bell peppers, 1 cup (150g) of sliced carrots, and 1 cup (150g) of sliced zucchini. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and cook until everything is well-coated and heated through.
Ground Beef Stir-fry with creamy potato gratin
Follow our budget friendly ground beef stir-fry and pare it with our creamy potato gratin as a side dish to an elevate your dinning experience.
Tips and tricks
Opt for budget-friendly cuts of beef such as ground beef or lean ground beef. These cuts are generally more economical compared to higher-priced cuts but still provide plenty of flavor and texture. Instead of buying pre-made stir-fry sauce, create your own using simple pantry ingredients. A basic homemade stir-fry sauce can consist of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken it. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
Boost the flavor of your stir-fry by using aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions. These ingredients are affordable and add depth and fragrance to the dish. Additionally, adding fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley can elevate the taste without breaking the budget. To make the most out of your ground beef, incorporate a generous amount of vegetables and fillers. Vegetables not only add nutritional value but also bulk up the dish, making it more filling. Consider adding ingredients like diced onions, grated carrots, or chopped cabbage to extend the stir-fry and create a well-rounded meal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to add variety to your stir-fries. Utilize pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, paprika, or soy sauce to create different flavor profiles. This allows you to keep the meals exciting and enjoyable without having to invest in expensive ingredients.
Congratualtions!
You have learnt how to make delicious ground beef stir-fry and also how you can best elevate it. Serve the budget-friendly ground beef stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Happy eating!
