This quick ground beef and broccoli stir fry is packed with flavor and nutrition! It’s full of tender beef and bright green broccoli that makes dinner fun and easy.
I love how fast this meal comes together! Just toss everything in a pan, stir it up, and in no time, you’ve got a hearty dish that the whole family enjoys. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this recipe, as it keeps it rich without being too greasy. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work well too, but they may change the flavor slightly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives this dish a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli is a great shortcut and still tasty. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce is key to controlling saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, pick tamari instead. You can also swap out oyster sauce for soy sauce or hoisin for a slightly different taste.
Rice: While I love serving this stir fry over white rice, brown rice or quinoa can be healthier options. Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb substitute if you want to keep it light.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Stir Fry?
To achieve a well-flavored stir fry, there are a few essential steps to keep in mind:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding any ingredients; this helps to seal in the flavors.
- Brown the beef well! It’s key for developing a rich flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them, making them mushy.
- Mix the sauce ingredients beforehand so they’re ready to pour in quickly, which keeps the cooking process smooth.
By following these simple tips, your easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry will be both delicious and satisfying!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3/4 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a super quick option for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This is important to ensure your stir fry has that nice sizzling sound when you add the beef!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off to keep your dish lighter.
3. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, stir in the diced onion, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma!
4. Add Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the beef broth (or water). Cover the skillet and let everything steam together for 3-4 minutes. This will make the broccoli bright green and just tender!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. This mixture will add a ton of flavor to our stir fry.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet, stirring well to combine evenly. If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry at this point and stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
7. Final Seasoning:
Season the stir fry with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the soy sauce already adds some saltiness, so adjust accordingly!
8. Serve:
Serve your ground beef and broccoli stir fry over freshly steamed white rice. This will soak up all that tasty sauce!
9. Garnish:
Finally, top your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful, easy dinner!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ: Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just toss it in while it’s still frozen, and follow the same steaming instructions. It may take a minute or two longer to cook until tender, but it will still turn out delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for healthier options, ground turkey or chicken can work in place of ground beef. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven heating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil while cooking. Adjust to your taste, and enjoy a spicy kick!
