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
Scale
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.
