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If you are craving a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meal, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is just what you need. It perfectly balances tender, savory ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that brings everything together in a harmonious burst of umami goodness. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the deliciousness of this stir fry. Each item has a purpose: from the fresh broccoli bringing vibrant color and crunch to the rich ground beef providing hearty depth, and the mix of sauces adding complexity and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef: Choose lean or regular based on your preference for richness and fat content.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crisp texture and a pop of green.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory kick.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Ginger offers a warm, slightly spicy note that complements beef perfectly.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium alternative): Soy sauce is the salty backbone of the sauce, essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional): Oyster sauce deepens the savory richness with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral vegetable oil): Sesame oil lends a nutty aroma that enhances every bite.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: A little cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it the perfect glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup water: This helps create steam to cook the broccoli tender-crisp and thins the sauce to the ideal consistency.
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional): Adds a mild sweetness that balances the savory and salty notes beautifully.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional, for garnish): These add a lovely crunch and fresh, mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, cornstarch, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce mix is the magic that binds the beef and broccoli together with silky, flavorful coating. Setting it aside for now keeps things streamlined as you cook.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it browns evenly. Cooking the beef first ensures it develops a rich, caramelized flavor that builds the dish’s savory base. If there’s excess fat, drain it for a leaner finish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss the minced garlic and ginger into the beef. Stir them around for a minute or two until their intoxicating aromas fill your kitchen. This step layers in fresh, punchy flavors, making every bite interesting and vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, letting them turn bright green and tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam the broccoli, which helps keep it perfectly crisp and fresh-tasting.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the ingredients. This final step ties all the flavors together into a rich, mouthwatering stir fry.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and get ready to enjoy! This stir fry smells amazing and looks just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your stir fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions adds a lovely crunch and bright, herbal notes. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making every forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe shines on its own but pairs incredibly well with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or even simple noodles like soba or rice vermicelli. These sides soak up the sauce, transforming the dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry atop a bed of steamed cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb approach. You can also add a fried egg on top or scatter chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen nicely overnight, making it a great next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, but for best results, freeze the beef and broccoli separately from any rice or noodles. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipper bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it and bring back that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time. Just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy stir fry.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and keep the sauces the same for rich flavor.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce alone will work fine. You can add a small splash of hoisin sauce or a pinch of sugar to mimic oyster sauce’s sweetness and depth.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Cook broccoli over high heat for a shorter time and consider steaming it briefly with a splash of water. Avoid overcooking to keep that perfect crunch.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up well. Just use a larger pan or split the cooking process into batches to ensure everything cooks evenly and maintains great texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delicious, fuss-free meal that combines hearty beef with crisp, green broccoli all coated in a luscious, savory sauce, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is the perfect choice. It delivers comfort, flavor, and speed, making it a winner for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a home-cooked stir fry. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite on your dinner rotation!
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Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of honey. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium alternative)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
Other
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil like vegetable oil)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, cornstarch, and honey (if using). Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the stir fry light.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the cooked beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to steam and soften the broccoli without losing its vibrant color.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish the stir fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower-sodium dish, use low-sodium soy sauce and omit or reduce the oyster sauce.
- Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste during the aromatic sauté step.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure both soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free or substitute with tamari and a gluten-free alternative oyster sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Vegetarian version: substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetable-based sauces.
