As I stood in my kitchen one busy evening, the familiar scent of garlic sizzling in hot oil brought an instant sense of comfort. I was juggling a ton of responsibilities, the clock ticking loudly, but I craved something homemade and flavorful. That’s when I decided to whip up my Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. It’s a delightful dish that blends tender broccoli with juicy, sautéed ground beef all wrapped in a savory soy-based sauce.
In just 25 minutes, you can have a meal that’s not only nutritious but also bursting with vibrant flavors—perfect for those chaotic weeknights when everyone’s starving! Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means you can customize it to your family’s tastes, making it an instant favorite at the dinner table. So gather your ingredients and let’s turn a typical evening into a delightful culinary experience!
Why will you love this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, this recipe transforms into a wholesome meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Satisfaction: Enjoy the rich savory sauce and vibrant broccoli that complement the tender ground beef beautifully.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in your family’s favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s palate.
Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this dish offers a nutritious option for the whole family.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: The delightful combination of taste and texture guarantees seconds around the dinner table!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- Broccoli florets – Provide healthy greens and texture; use fresh or frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Yellow or white onion – Adds sweetness and depth; substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
- 80/20 Grass-Fed Ground Beef – The main protein source, offering flavor and nutrition; can use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cooking oil (vegetable, peanut, or similar) – Necessary for sautéing; choose based on preference or dietary restrictions.
For the Sauce
- Low sodium beef broth – Gives liquid and flavor to the sauce; swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.
- Low sodium soy sauce – Adds umami and seasoning; use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness of soy sauce; substitute honey or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
- Garlic (minced) – Contributes aromatic flavor; fresh cloves are best, but pre-minced varieties save time.
- Ginger paste – Offers warmth and spice; fresh grated ginger can be substituted if preferred.
- Red pepper flakes – Adds heat; adjust quantity to taste or use fresh chili slices for a different spice level.
- Cornstarch and cold water – Thicken the sauce to a gravy-like consistency; arrowroot or flour can be alternatives.
For Serving
- Cooked white rice – Serves as the base for the stir fry; brown rice or quinoa can be healthier options.
- Toasted sesame seeds – For garnish and added flavor; optional but highly recommended.
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to recreating a delicious Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry that will surely impress your family!
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Cook rice: Start by preparing your rice according to the package instructions. This will serve as the perfect base for your stir fry.
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Prep vegetables: While the rice cooks, trim the broccoli into florets and slice the onions and garlic. Having everything ready will speed up your cooking process!
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Make the sauce: In a measuring cup, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
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Sauté vegetables: Heat a skillet over high heat and add your cooking oil. Once hot, toss in the broccoli and onions. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, you can drain it for a leaner dish.
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Combine sauce and beef: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the browned beef, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in your cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Fold in veggies: Add the sautéed broccoli and onions back into the skillet, mixing well until everything is beautifully coated in the sauce.
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Serve: Spoon the delicious stir fry over your fluffy rice, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and extra red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired.
Optional: For added freshness, serve with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Creating a comforting meal goes beyond just the stir fry; here are delightful pairings to round out your dinner.
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Steamed jasmine rice: Perfectly fluffy and fragrant, this classic base complements the savory stir fry beautifully while soaking up the sauce.
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Garlic breadsticks: Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, these are wonderful for wiping up any leftover sauce, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
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Light cucumber salad: Refreshing and crunchy, this salad provides a delightful contrast to the warm stir fry. Toss cucumber slices with vinegar and sesame oil for added zing.
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Sesame green beans: Sautéed with a hint of garlic and sesame oil, these vibrant veggies add a lovely crunch and echo the stir fry’s flavor profile, creating a colorful plate.
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Miso soup: A comforting bowl of warm miso soup adds umami flavor to your meal. It’s light enough to sip between bites without overshadowing the main dish.
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Chilled edamame: Simple and nutritious, these tender pods offer a pop of health to the table. Dust them with coarse sea salt for a satisfying nibble alongside your stir fry.
These pairings ensure a balanced and flavorful dining experience, transforming your Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry into a memorable family feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry components are perfect for busy meal prep! You can chop the broccoli, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, the sauce can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just ensure it’s stored in a tightly sealed jar to prevent leakage and preserve flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the veggies as instructed and brown the ground beef, then combine everything with the pre-prepared sauce. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time, just as flavorful and satisfying!
Expert Tips for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before starting to cook. It makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
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Grease Control: If your ground beef looks too greasy, drain off some fat, but remember this might reduce the sauce’s richness!
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Cook Timing: Adjust the cooking time for broccoli based on how crisp or tender you prefer it. Fresh veggies have different cooking times than frozen ones.
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Sauce Thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, ensure you properly incorporate the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously while it simmers.
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Add Veggies: Feel free to boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for color and texture in your Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
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Taste Testing: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary, particularly the soy sauce and red pepper flakes for heat!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this dish for your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs!
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with textured vegetable protein or canned chickpeas for a hearty plant-based option.
- Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce with tamari, ensuring a gluten-free meal that retains all the delicious flavors.
- Crispy Texture: Add crushed cashews or peanuts for a delightful crunch that complements the tender broccoli.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh basil or cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness and a bright flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in snap peas or sliced bell peppers for a rainbow of colors and added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you adore heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or doubling the red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a touch of juice to brighten the flavors and give a refreshing lift.
- Coconut Twist: Substitute beef broth with coconut milk for a creamy sauce that elevates the dish to tropical heights.
Explore these variations to make this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry truly your own!
Storage Tips for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, stirring often, to maintain flavor and texture.
- Freezer: You can freeze this stir fry for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.
- Airtight Storage: To keep your Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry fresh, avoid using containers that aren’t airtight, as moisture can affect flavor and texture over time.
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe FAQs
What type of broccoli is best for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli florets are ideal as they provide a crisp texture and vibrant color. However, if you’re pressed for time, frozen broccoli is convenient—just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid mushiness!
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can safely store any leftover Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to rejuvenate the flavors.
Can I freeze the stir fry? How should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To do this, allow the stir fry to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.
What should I do if the sauce isn’t thickening?
If your sauce doesn’t reach that glorious thick consistency, don’t worry! Just ensure that you’ve properly mixed your cornstarch slurry before adding it. As it simmers, keep stirring continuously to help it thicken evenly. If it still seems thin, you can mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it gradually.
Is this dish suitable for people with allergies?
Always great to ask! This recipe contains soy sauce, which may not be suitable for those with soy allergies. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or skip the soy altogether and adjust with a sprinkle of herbs for flavor. Also, be cautious with the red pepper flakes if you’re serving to those sensitive to spice.
How can I customize the recipe for picky eaters?
Very easily! You can omit certain ingredients like onions or red pepper flakes if your family prefers a milder flavor. Additionally, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based protein to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. The more the merrier!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preparing your rice according to the package instructions.
- While the rice cooks, trim the broccoli into florets and slice the onions and garlic.
- In a measuring cup, mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes. In a bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water.
- Heat a skillet over high heat with cooking oil. Add broccoli and onions, stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thick.
- Add the sautéed broccoli and onions back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and extra red pepper flakes if desired.