As a child, I keep in mind eating issues like Hamburger Helper (or Tuna Helper, cringe) on the common. This MSG, hydrolyzed corn, protein-infused one-pan meal was a staple of the 80s. My buddies and I might bemoan its existence over equally processed college lunches. Obviously, I hadn’t been taught my own food rules to remedy choosy eating at that time!

As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” I can actually say I’ve by no means purchased a Hamburger Helper from the grocery retailer. That stated, I can perceive the appeal!

A meal that comes collectively in 20 minutes and solely wants one pound of meat? Yes, please!

A Ground Beef Stir Fry That’s Better Than Takeout

Hamburger Helper actually did have one factor proper… the comfort! I’m sure its low price and easy preparation had been some of the foremost causes it gained a lot recognition (the style… not a lot!). An straightforward beef stir fry makes the right weeknight dinner that even choosy eaters can like.

With a few easy and equally cheap actual food components, you possibly can exchange the pre-packaged one-pan meals with more nutritious choices. You might use gluten-free noodles or shirataki noodles, in place of the common ones, however this recipe is a good strategy to get more veggies into your diet. I at all times like creating new recipes and this one is now a favourite with the children!

Turn Vegetables Into Noodles

I usually use our spiralizer to slice zucchini into skinny noodles for this recipe. If you don’t have a spiralizer- get one! They do magic methods to get youngsters to like making and eating greens.

Another benefit to this recipe is how straightforward and quick it’s to organize. My youngsters love that they can help put together this recipe. And the older youngsters can now put together this all on their own with out my help.

This easy stir-fry is a common in our meal planning rotation. It’s additionally one of my go-to dishes for busy nights once I don’t have the rest able to cook dinner. I’ll often use beef for the ground meat, however you can additionally use ground turkey or ground chicken if that’s what you’ve gotten available.

Ground Beef Stir Fry Variations

Zucchini is our favourite vegetable on this recipe however you need to use any vegetable you’ve gotten available. Some that readers have used and beloved are carrots, yellow squash, kohlrabi, or candy potatoes.

You also can combine it up with a selection of spices for utterly completely different flavors. Some of our favorites are:

  • 2 teaspoons cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Top with salsa, bitter cream, and cheese for a Tex-Mex taste.
  • Add some Italian Seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes. If you prefer it spicy, attempt some purple pepper flakes with it. Top with Parmesan for an Italian aptitude.
  • Use curry powder in place of the spices listed and add a little coconut milk for a deep and earthy taste.
  • Try toasted sesame oil in place of the butter, add some additional garlic, and high with coconut aminos (just like soy sauce) for an egg-roll like taste.
  • For an Asian model, add purple bell peppers and broccoli florets. Top with some sesame seeds and a little rice vinegar.

More Topping Ideas

  • Green onions
  • Grated recent ginger
  • Snap peas
  • Sriracha or stir-fry sauce

Now that our household does eat some grains, we’ll usually have stir fry over white rice. My favourite is jasmine rice however typically I’ll do cauliflower rice (which remains to be a veggie). I truly want it to brown rice (here’s why).

So let me introduce our favourite beef and zucchini stir-fry recipe…

Zucchini and Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

An straightforward ground beef stir-fry with a texture just like pasta that youngsters love! Use a spiralizer to make greens into enjoyable noodles on this recipe.

  • 2 yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 4 medium zucchini (spiralized)
  • 3 TBSP butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning
  • 1 tsp basil
  • toppings similar to pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese, and grated cheese, optionally available
  • Heat a giant skillet or wok over medium-high warmth.

  • Melt butter within the skillet.

  • Add the sliced onion and zucchini to the skillet and saute till they begin to soften.

  • Remove greens from the skillet and place in a baking dish.

  • Turn the oven on to broil and place the baking dish below the broiler for about 7-10 minutes till greens are crispy.

  • While the veggies are within the oven, brown the ground beef within the skillet and add the spices.

  • Add the onions and zucchini back to the skillet, combine, and serve.

  • Garnish with any desired toppings and revel in!

Nutrition Facts

Zucchini and Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 294
Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 93mg31%

Sodium 162mg7%

Potassium 1015mg29%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 28g56%

Vitamin A 657IU13%

Vitamin C 40mg48%

Calcium 68mg7%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Store any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge. I additionally prefer to reheat any leftovers with some egg the following morning for a breakfast scramble!

Try these Asian lettuce wraps or these Korean beef and rice bowls for more straightforward weeknight meals.

What’s your favourite stir-fry recipe? Share beneath!