Easy High Protein Beef Stir Fry
When I’m craving Chinese takeout but don’t want to throw my calorie deficit out the window, this is one of the dinners I make.
This easy beef stir fry is salty, savory, packed with protein, and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It gives me those takeout flavors I’m craving while still being light enough to fit into my day.
And it’s a dinner my whole family will actually eat.
My 5 year old is pretty picky, so finding meals that everyone enjoys can be a challenge. But this is one of those recipes she actually asks for seconds of, which automatically makes it a weeknight favorite around here.
A Lighter Take on Takeout
I love takeout as much as anyone, but when I’m trying to stay consistent with my goals, ordering Chinese food can make it harder to know exactly what I’m getting.
This homemade beef stir fry gives me that same salty, savory flavor I’m craving while letting me control the ingredients and portions.
The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make.
You’ll cook the ground beef, add your vegetables, mix together a quick sauce, and let everything come together in one skillet. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
Each serving is 245 calories with 25g of protein, 15g of carbs, and 9g of fat, before adding rice.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir Fry
High in protein: With 25g of protein per serving, this is a filling and satisfying dinner.
Lower in calories: At just 245 calories per serving, it’s an easy way to enjoy takeout inspired flavors while keeping your meal lighter.
Family friendly: Even my picky 5 year old asks for seconds, which is a pretty big win in my house.
Quick and easy: This is exactly the kind of recipe I want on a busy weeknight when I don’t have the time or energy for anything complicated.
Customizable: Use whatever vegetables your family likes or whatever you already have in the fridge. Bell peppers and celery are what I use, but broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or zucchini would all work too.
What to Serve With Beef Stir Fry
I usually serve this over rice. Since the beef and veggie mixture is only 245 calories per serving, you can add a serving of rice and still have a filling dinner that fits into your calorie goals.
Personally, I’d rather have a reasonable serving of real rice than feel like I’m missing out. You can absolutely enjoy foods you love while still working toward your goals.
That’s what I love about recipes like this. They make eating in a calorie deficit feel less restrictive because you’re still eating flavorful, satisfying food that your family enjoys too.
An Easy Dinner Everyone Can Enjoy
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that works for both your family and your goals, add this one to your list.
It’s salty, savory, filling, easy to customize, and most importantly, it’s something my family actually wants to eat.
Because healthy family dinners don’t have to mean making one meal for yourself and another for everyone else. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that let everyone sit down and eat the same dinner.
Nutrition per serving: 245 calories | 25g protein | 15g carbs | 9g fat
Nutrition information is for the beef and vegetable mixture and does not include rice or other toppings.
Easy High Protein Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook until almost all of the pink is gone.
- Add the ginger and garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring to combine.
- Add the celery and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften. Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand.
- While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened, pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Divide the beef and veggie mixture into 4 servings.
