Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

My kitchen adventures recently discovered a mouthwatering ground beef and broccoli stir-fry that combines bold flavors with incredible ease.

Tender meat and crisp green florets dance together in a savory sauce that promises deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Spices and seasonings weave magic through each bite, making simple components taste extraordinary.

Hungry diners will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

One skillet is all you need to create a restaurant-quality meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

What Makes Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe A Favorite

  • Speed into Action: Blast through dinner preparation with this lightning-fast stir-fry that transforms ground beef and broccoli into a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack a protein punch with lean ground beef and fiber-rich broccoli, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Win over both kids and adults with a familiar flavor profile that blends savory beef, tender vegetables, and a delectable sauce everyone will love.
  • Versatile Culinary Canvas: Customize this recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

What Goes Into Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the main component of this quick stir-fry dish.
Vegetable Component:
  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the meal.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide deep, authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile to the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Deliver traditional umami and savory taste to the recipe.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Water, Beef Broth: Helps create moisture and additional depth of flavor in the stir-fry.
Cooking Fat:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the initial cooking medium for sautéing ingredients.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Offer fresh, crunchy finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

Simple Prep For Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it up with some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want that pan sizzling hot and ready for action.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting them dance in the hot oil. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until they release their magical fragrance. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking, which takes around 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Green Goodness

Steam broccoli florets until they’re tender yet vibrant green. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Set them aside, keeping their bright color and crispness intact.

Step 5: Craft the Flavor Explosion

Whip up the sauce by combining:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch

Mix everything thoroughly in a small bowl until well blended.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Reunite the cooked beef with the steamed broccoli in the skillet. Pour the sauce over them, stirring to ensure every morsel gets perfectly coated.

Step 7: Let the Flavors Mingle

Add water or beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and become glossy.

Step 8: Create the Perfect Plate

Spoon the sizzling beef and broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice. The combination will make mouths water instantly.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. These final touches will elevate your dish from great to absolutely incredible.

Pro Tips To Nail Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Boost Beef Flavor: Marinate ground beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Control Moisture: Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid and achieve better browning during cooking.
  • Cut Broccoli Evenly: Chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Manage Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount based on desired thickness; start with less and gradually add more if needed.
  • Reduce Grease: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess fat and create a healthier stir-fry without compromising flavor.

Easy Variations Of Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative that keeps protein levels high while reducing calorie intake.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra-firm tofu, maintaining the stir-fry's texture and flavor profile for vegetarian diners.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates.
  • Spicy Asian Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to introduce a fiery element for those who enjoy more heat in their stir-fry dishes.

Best Pairings For Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Pair Perfectly with Zesty Beverages: Complement the savory ground beef and broccoli stir-fry with refreshing drink options that enhance its rich flavors.
  • Crack Open Asian-Inspired Beers: Light lager or crisp Asian beer like Sapporo or Tsingtao will cut through the dish's richness and provide a clean, smooth finish.
  • Match with Vibrant White Wines: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balances the soy sauce's saltiness and brings out the stir-fry's subtle ginger notes.
  • Serve with Green Tea Varieties: Brew a hot sencha or jasmine green tea to cleanse the palate and harmonize with the meal's umami-packed profile.

How To Store Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate rice from the beef and broccoli mixture to prevent soggy texture.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Questions About Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Is ground beef a good protein choice for stir-fry?

Ground beef is an excellent protein for stir-fry because it’s affordable, quick to cook, and absorbs flavors well. It provides a hearty texture and blends perfectly with vegetables like broccoli.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for better texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet to prevent watery results.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce during the sauce preparation to increase heat. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your spice tolerance.

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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling ground beef and broccoli stir-fry brings Chinese-inspired comfort to dinner tables with bold, savory flavors. Packed with protein and crisp vegetables, this quick meal satisfies hunger and delivers restaurant-quality taste you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups white rice

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking and Garnishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • 3 green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium-high heat, warming the vegetable oil until it shimmers with potential.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, swirling quickly for 30 seconds until their aromatic essence fills the kitchen, taking care to prevent burning.
  3. Slide ground beef into the skillet, fragmenting it with a spatula and searing until rich brown and completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically for uniform cooking.
  4. Simultaneously, transform broccoli florets through a steaming process, rendering them tender yet vibrantly green, which typically requires 3-4 minutes.
  5. Craft a flavor-enhancing sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a separate container until smoothly integrated.
  6. Merge the perfectly cooked beef with steamed broccoli, generously coating them with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
  7. Introduce water or beef broth, encouraging the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to gracefully thicken while maintaining gentle movement.
  8. Transition the skillet from heat, presenting the aromatic beef and broccoli atop fluffy white rice.
  9. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering chopped green onions and sesame seeds, transforming a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece ready for enjoyment.

Notes

  • Always use high heat when stir-frying to ensure meat browns quickly and vegetables retain their crisp texture without becoming soggy.
  • Drain excess fat from ground beef after cooking to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more balanced dish.
  • For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein alternatives like crumbled tofu or Beyond Meat.
  • Chop broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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