Description
A quick and flavorful ground beef dish with a sweet, savory, and spicy sauce that’s ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral cooking oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes, adjusted to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (this is your slurry)
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1. Heat the Oil and Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if desired, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for sautéing the onions.
- 2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring, for about 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3. Create the Firecracker Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha (or red pepper flakes), and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir everything to coat.
- 4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. While it’s simmering, give your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) a quick whisk, then slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring continuously. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should become glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
- 5. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 300-350 (varies based on beef leanness and exact measurements)
- Sugar: Approx. 8-12g
- Sodium: Approx. 600-800mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)
- Fat: Approx. 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
- Protein: Approx. 25-30g