Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights. Tender broccoli and savory ground beef come together in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice. It’s an easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can 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

• 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

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice, any kind

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container. Shake well and place it in a cool spot. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining sauce ingredients except honey, starting with 1 tablespoon honey. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a large pan or wok. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Add beef and diced onions to the pan over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
4. Step 4: Add sliced red bell peppers to the pan with the beef and cook for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Step 6: Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and stir to combine. Heat through gently. Adjust sweetness by adding the remaining honey if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions if you like for extra freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Use fresh ginger instead of ground for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it briefly before stir-frying.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to avoid sogginess. You may want to cook it a bit less to prevent mushiness.

What kind of rice pairs best with this dish?

Any cooked rice works well, but jasmine or basmati rice adds a nice aromatic touch. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are good options for a healthier twist.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

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5 from 69 reviews

A flavorful and quick Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef in a rich soy-ginger garlic sauce, perfect served over steamed rice for a hearty meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can 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

• 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

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice, any kind

Instructions

1. Prep Work: Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake well to form a slurry. Place this mixture in a cool area. In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil, then set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or wok. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat with the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper as desired. Add beef and diced onion to the skillet over medium-high heat, cooking and crumbling the beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add sliced red bell peppers and cook for an additional 1 minute to slightly soften.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to cook, allowing the sauce to thicken as it bubbles gently.
5. Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat everything through evenly. Taste and adjust honey or seasoning as needed. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

• For perfectly cooked rice, rinse rice thoroughly and cook according to package instructions or use a rice cooker for best texture.
• You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil depending on dietary preferences.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey in the sauce.
• For a spicier version, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: ground beef broccoli stir fry, beef and broccoli recipe, quick dinner recipes, easy stir fry, healthy beef stir fry