Dinner

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

Bymia larkspur January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with colorful vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve it over rice or in lettuce cups for a versatile dinner option.

A white bowl contains two main layers: the left side holds a fluffy layer of white rice garnished lightly with small green chives, while the right side is topped with a mix of cooked ground beef, sliced yellow and green zucchini, brown mushrooms, and thin orange carrot strips, all mixed together with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a gray and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. A silver fork lies next to the bowl, and a dark pan with more of the meat and vegetable mix is partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound 80-20 ground beef
2 medium zucchini, sliced
8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby Bella, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
Chives or green onions (optional for garnish)
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
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

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the sauce by combining soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving oil in the pan.
Step 3: Add more oil to the skillet if needed, then add zucchini, mushrooms, and carrot. Sauté while stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and heated through.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or in lettuce cups. Garnish with chives or green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Swap out zucchini and mushrooms for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
Use turkey or chicken ground meat as a leaner alternative to beef.
Leftover stir fry can be packed into wraps or served alongside quinoa for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To prevent veggies from getting soggy, avoid overcooking when reheating.