High-Protein Beef and Quinoa Stir Fry

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A hearty stir fry combining lean ground beef with nutrient-dense quinoa and colorful vegetables, seasoned with a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired summer cookout (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs lean ground beef (93% lean), quinoa, rinsed, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 3/4 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 3 stalks green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup dry quinoa under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 1 1/2 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
2. Step 2: While the quinoa cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz lean ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove beef to a plate.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Return cooked beef to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions before serving.