Sizzling Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe: Speedy Family Hit

Cooking a delectable ground beef and broccoli stir-fry sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Flavors dance together in this quick meal that promises satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity without sacrificing taste, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Tender beef mingles with crisp broccoli, creating a harmony of textures that’ll make you smile.

Seasonings blend seamlessly, promising a balanced and aromatic experience for anyone seeking comfort on a plate.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can master this dish in less than thirty minutes.

Dive into this culinary adventure and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Reasons to Crave Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Quick and Satisfying Meal Prep
• Delivers a complete meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families and hungry individuals craving fast, delicious dinners.
• Combines lean protein from ground beef with fiber-rich broccoli, creating a balanced one-pan dish that supports healthy eating goals.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that maximize flavor without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for home cooks.
• Easily adaptable with optional spice levels, vegetable substitutions, or serving styles to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that forms the main component of the stir-fry, best when lean for less grease.
• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture, fresh and vibrant florets work best.

• Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor boosters that provide depth and traditional Asian stir-fry essence, fresh is always more aromatic.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Soy Sauce: Classic umami-rich base for the stir-fry sauce, low-sodium version can be used for less salt.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, savory depth and glossy finish to the dish, authentic Chinese version recommended.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances the sauce's flavors, helps cut through richness.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, authentic Asian flavor, use sparingly for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps sauce caramelize, can substitute with honey.
• Cornstarch: Critical for thickening the sauce and creating glossy coating, ensures smooth texture.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking, helps distribute heat evenly.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and break it apart while cooking. Let the meat dance and turn golden brown, releasing its rich flavors. Remove any extra grease to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Wake Up the Broccoli

• Broccoli florets
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and toss until broccoli turns a vibrant green and maintains a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Create the Magic Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir gently to coat every morsel. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing the sauce to thicken and hug each ingredient with its delicious embrace.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra pizzazz.

Smart Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing stir-fry.
• Crisp Broccoli Technique: Cook broccoli just until bright green to maintain its crisp texture and maximize nutritional value, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Sauce Whisking Hack: Mix cornstarch with other sauce ingredients before adding to the pan to create a smooth, lump-free coating that thickens evenly.
• Quick Cooking Timing: Keep cooking times short to preserve the beef's tenderness and broccoli's vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, allowing the dish to suit different taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

Pairing Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Bold Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the richness of ground beef, complementing its savory depth with robust tannins and dark fruit undertones.
• Crisp Japanese sake balances the stir-fry's umami flavors, providing a clean palate cleansing effect with its light, smooth character.
• Craft a ginger-lemongrass mojito that mirrors the recipe's Asian-inspired spices, adding a zesty, herbal complexity that enhances the dish's aromatic profile.
• Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the savory sauce and provides a neutral, soft backdrop to the bold stir-fry flavors.

Ways to Customize Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Vegetarian Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, then serve over quinoa or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase red pepper flakes, add sriracha sauce, or include fresh chopped jalapeños to amplify heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

FAQs About Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Is ground beef and broccoli a healthy dish?

This stir-fry combines lean protein from ground beef with nutrient-rich broccoli, offering a balanced meal high in protein, vitamins, and minerals while being relatively low in calories.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similar texture and taste profile.

• How spicy is this stir-fry?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder version.

• What can I serve this stir-fry with?

Rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles work perfectly as a base for this ground beef and broccoli dish, helping to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers a quick, protein-packed meal bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Rich umami notes blend seamlessly with crisp broccoli, creating a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85% lean or higher)

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for a sweeter taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey (optional, for balance)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch (to slightly thicken the sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Serving Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice

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Instructions

1. Ignite a spacious skillet or wok over robust heat, introducing ground beef and fragmenting it meticulously until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Eliminate any accumulated grease, creating a pristine cooking surface for subsequent ingredients.
3. Strategically relocate the seared beef to one side of the culinary vessel, creating an open workspace.
4. Cascade olive oil into the vacant pan region, immediately introducing vibrant broccoli florets alongside aromatic garlic, zesty ginger, and fiery red pepper flakes.
5. Maneuver ingredients swiftly, ensuring broccoli maintains its emerald brilliance and crisp texture through 2-3 minutes of dynamic sautéing.
6. Craft a sophisticated sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a compact mixing bowl until seamlessly integrated.
7. Cascade the meticulously prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli ensemble, thoroughly coating each ingredient with deliberate, circular stirring motions.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop, permitting the sauce to gradually thicken and embrace the protein and vegetables in a glossy, flavor-intense glaze for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, perfect for spice lovers or those preferring milder flavors.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier stir-fry option.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or Beyond Meat for vegetarian and vegan diet preferences.
• Pre-chop all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth, quick stir-frying process and prevent overcooking broccoli.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg