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Firecracker Ground Beef

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This quick and easy firecracker ground beef recipe is a bold, sweet, and spicy one-pan dinner ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this versatile dish makes a flavorful weeknight meal or meal prep favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1–2 tbsp oil (for browning)
  • 2–3 tbsp dark brown sugar (or substitute with monk fruit/Swerve for low-carb)
  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (or hot sauce, sriracha, chili garlic sauce)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
  • ½ tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and slightly crispy.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in brown sugar, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and salt.
  4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce caramelize and coat the beef.
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

  • Swap proteins: try ground chicken, turkey, or tofu.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a stir-fry version.
  • For extra spice, use chili oil or red pepper flakes.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/firecracker-ground-beef/