Name: Asian Ground Beef for Supper
Yield: 4

Asian Ground Beef is sweet, spicy, and insanely good. Pile it over rice, add avocado-cucumber salad, and watch it disappear fast!

Asian Ground Beef

Ground meat is my go-to for quick, straightforward weeknight dinners—beef, chicken, pork, or turkey. It’s versatile, fast, and always a family favorite. I’m constantly brainstorming new ways to make it exciting and satisfying.

Recently, I swapped the chicken in my cashew chicken recipe for ground beef, and it turned out so good! Bold, savory flavors that cook up in no time.

For the reliable finishing touch, add a fresh avocado-cucumber salad. The creamy avocado and crisp cucumber balance the beef evenly. You’re going to love it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for Asian Ground Beef:

Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil gives the best flavor.
Ground Beef: Use lean beef (93/7) to keep it from being greasy.
Green Onions: Cook the white parts; save the green for topping.
Red Pepper: Chop small for sweetness and color.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch since the sauce adds saltiness.
Cashews: Roasted cashews add crunch; peanuts work great too.
Basil: skippable, but adds a fresh, herby flavor.

Sauce Ingredients

Cornstarch: Makes the sauce thick, smooth, and glossy.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives just the right amount of saltiness.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a nice tangy flavor; white vinegar works in a pinch.
Hoisin Sauce: Pick a good one—this brings all the flavor!
Sriracha: Adjust to your spice level, and drizzle extra on top if you love heat.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy flavors with a little sweetness.
Ginger Paste: straightforward to use and blends right in.
Garlic: Jarred garlic or garlic paste makes this Asian Ground Beef even quicker!

The sauce for this recipe is whisked together in a mason jar.

Asian Ground Beef Serving Suggestions

Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the beef into butter lettuce leaves.

Topping Ideas

Avocado-Cucumber Salad: Creamy and crunchy. Use a ripe avocado for extra creaminess.
Sriracha Mayo: Adds creamy heat—reliable if you’re not a fan of avocado.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add crunch and a nutty flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle green onions, basil, or cilantro for a fresh flavor.
Sriracha Drizzle: Add more heat with Sriracha or chili sauce.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds fresh flavor.

Veggies sautéed and beef browned together for this Asian ground beef.

Asian Ground Beef Recipe Tips

Toast Cashews: If your cashews aren’t roasted, toast them first in a dry pan for extra flavor, then keep nearby.
Use a Big Pan: Choose a large pan so the beef cooks evenly without steaming.
Season Early: Add a small pinch of salt and pepper as soon as the beef starts cooking to boost flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the beef in a single layer to help it brown better.
Leave It Alone: Let the beef sit for a minute or two without stirring to get a good sear.

The sauce and cashews are added to the meat mixture.

Storage

How to Store/Meal Prep

Store: Keep beef, rice, and toppings in the fridge in separate airtight containers for 4-5 days. Make avocado salad fresh daily—I mix 1/4 of the recipe each day when meal prepping.
Reheat: Warm beef in a skillet; microwave rice with a little water to keep it moist.