This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! Packed with juicy beef and bright green broccoli, it’s perfect for busy nights. Just throw everything in a pan, and you’re good to go!
You can have this delicious dish on your table in no time, making it great for when the kids are hungry after school. Trust me, they’ll love the beef and the colorful veggies! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using 80% lean ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat, which keeps it juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken instead; they work well too.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for this dish, but frozen broccoli can save time and is just as nutritious. If broccoli is unavailable, feel free to use snap peas, bell peppers, or even cauliflower for a colorful twist!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce reduces the saltiness of the dish. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter, soy-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a delicious umami flavor. If you need a vegetarian version, consider mushroom sauce or Hoisin sauce. Both offer a sweet and savory taste.
Cornstarch: This is optional for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you could also use arrowroot powder, or skip it entirely for a lighter sauce.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Broccoli?
Cooking broccoli perfectly can make a big difference in your stir fry! You want it to be bright green and tender-crisp. Here’s how to achieve that:
- First, cut the broccoli into even-sized florets so they cook uniformly.
- When you add broccoli to the pan, allow it to cook for just 3-4 minutes. The key is to stir often, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- If you want to steam it lightly, you can add a splash of water or broth to the pan and cover it for a minute.
By following these tips, you’ll have bright, flavorful broccoli in your stir fry that adds the perfect crunch!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2-3 green onions, sliced thinly
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the broccoli into small florets, mince the garlic and ginger, finely chop the onion, and slice the green onions that you’ll use for garnish. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and fast!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if there’s a lot!
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Stir everything together and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s aromatic and the onion is slightly translucent.
4. Stir in the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green but still a bit crispy. This will keep them from getting too soft!
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Make sure it’s all well combined before adding it to the skillet.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly with the sauce.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you want a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat, and serve the flavorful beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked rice. It’s best enjoyed warm!
9. Garnish:
Finally, garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. It adds a nice crunch and a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delicious and easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry! It’s a perfect quick meal that the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this stir fry. Just toss it in frozen and cook for an extra minute or two to ensure it’s heated through and tender. There’s no need for thawing beforehand!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary, as leaner meats may cook faster.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with This Stir Fry?
This dish is best served over cooked white or jasmine rice, but you could also pair it with quinoa or noodles for a different twist. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
