Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

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Stir fry dishes are some of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can prepare at home. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and nutritious dish that’s packed with protein, vitamins, and bold flavors. Unlike traditional beef and broccoli made with sliced steak, this version uses ground beef, making it a budget-friendly and speedy alternative without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich broccoli.
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses ground beef, which is more affordable than steak.
  • Versatile – Customize with additional veggies or different proteins.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for leftovers.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Mince the garlic and ginger.
  3. Dice the onion and slice the green onions for garnish.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  3. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
  2. Add the diced onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. If using fresh broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to steam.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

  1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
  2. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat).

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.
  • Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
  • Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli enhance the flavors.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
  • Drain the Fat – If using higher-fat ground beef, drain excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
  • Thicken the Sauce Properly – Ensure the cornstarch is well-mixed in the sauce to avoid clumps.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 350-400
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fantastic weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home. It’s perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or a quick and satisfying lunch. Try it today and make it your own with different proteins and veggies!