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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and healthy greens, the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s quick to make yet deeply satisfying, combining tender, savory ground beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli all coated in a luscious, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that when combined, create a harmony of tastes that will quickly become a regular request around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a starring role in delivering the ideal balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. From fresh broccoli to aromatic garlic and a sweet-savory sauce, every component is essential.
- Peanut oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and high smoke point perfect for stir frying.
- Broccoli florets: Provides a crisp, fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings richness and depth.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of bite once caramelized.
- Red bell pepper: Brings color and a mild sweetness to balance the beef.
- Salt and white pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten and enhance every bite.
- Cornstarch: Gives the sauce that perfect silky thickness.
- Cold water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: The umami powerhouse that ties the dish together.
- Brown sugar: Balances salty and savory notes with delicate sweetness.
- Honey: Offers a natural sweet touch and glossy finish to the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the stir fry with irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle spicy zing that lifts the entire dish.
- Toasted sesame oil: Provides a rich, toasty fragrance that enhances flavor complexity.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up every bit of this delicious stir fry sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sauce and Slurry
Start by mixing your cornstarch with cold water in a covered container and shake to combine thoroughly; this slurry will be the secret to a beautifully thickened sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Setting this aside lets the flavors meld while you cook.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat peanut oil in your pan over medium heat, then toss in the broccoli florets. Cooking them for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender yet still crisp keeps that fresh vibrant bite so important in this stir fry. Once done, remove the broccoli and keep it aside for later.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Season your ground beef with salt and white pepper, then add it to the same pan along with the diced onion. As the beef browns, break it apart to ensure even cooking. When the beef is nearly done, add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another minute to soften it slightly without losing its texture.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Thicken
Pour your prepared sauce into the pan, bringing it to a boil before reducing to a simmer. This step allows the flavors to intensify and marry beautifully. Now, give your cornstarch slurry a good shake again and slowly stir it into the sauce, cooking gently until it thickens to that perfect consistency that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Broccoli and Heat Through
Lower the heat and return the broccoli to the pan, stirring carefully to combine everything and warm the broccoli through. This final mix ensures every forkful is a perfect blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that luscious sauce ready to drizzle over rice.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and add a fresh, nutty accent. If you like a bit more heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes will give a spicy kick that complements the sweet-savory sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines served over a bed of steamed rice, but feel free to mix things up with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian-style slaw can also round out the meal with additional texture and flavor contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in crispy lettuce cups or scoop it into warm pita pockets for a handheld delight. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of spicy mayo adds personal flair and invites everyone to customize their portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the beef and broccoli moist, making it just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to 2 months. While freezing may slightly soften the broccoli’s texture upon reheating, the flavors remain just as satisfying.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and prevent the beef from drying out. If needed, you can splash in a little water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave works fine; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep it tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some proteins cook faster than beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the recipe is naturally free of gluten, making it easy to adapt.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar and honey slightly or omit the honey altogether. You can add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance flavors without adding sweetness.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry to prevent excess water in the stir fry, which can dilute the sauce and affect texture.
What’s the best way to keep the broccoli crisp?
To maintain that satisfying snap, avoid overcooking. Quickly sautéing the broccoli until just tender and still bright green is key, and returning it to the pan only at the end keeps it from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about a well-made Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe that just hits every note — savory, sweet, tangy, and hearty all at once. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving a quick solo dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite you turn to again and again. So grab your wok or skillet and give it a go; I promise it will bring warmth and smiles to your table in no time.
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry made with tender broccoli florets, savory ground beef, and a rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Stir Fry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Sauce and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice, any kind
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry: In a sealed container, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, shake well, and set aside in a cool place. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (starting with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil; set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat evenly with the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is slightly softened but retains a crisp texture. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Cook Vegetables: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Break up the meat while cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1 minute to slightly soften.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the beef and vegetables and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Shake the cornstarch slurry again and gradually stir it into the simmering sauce, cooking gently until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir everything well to combine and heat through thoroughly. Optionally garnish with green onions and serve the stir fry over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust honey amount to balance sweetness to your taste.
- Use peanut oil or vegetable oil for best stir fry sautéing results.
- Cook broccoli just until crisp-tender to maintain texture and nutrition.
- Drain excess grease after browning beef to keep sauce from being greasy.
- This recipe can be customized with different vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms.
