Zesty Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Craving a quick and satisfying meal that blends ground beef and broccoli in a delightful stir fry?

Packed with robust flavors, this dish combines lean protein and crisp vegetables for an incredible dinner solution.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze when you master this simple yet delicious recipe.

Minimal ingredients create maximum taste, ensuring a balanced and nutritious plate that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Seasonal broccoli adds a fresh green crunch that perfectly complements the savory ground beef.

Seasoned with aromatic spices and a hint of soy sauce, each bite promises a burst of excitement for your taste buds.

Let’s unlock the secret to a mouthwatering stir fry that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef and Broccoli That Delivers

• This stir fry delivers a delicious dinner with minimal prep and cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and fast.
• Lean ground beef combined with vibrant broccoli creates a protein-rich meal loaded with essential nutrients and wholesome ingredients.
• Easy to customize with optional red pepper flakes for heat or swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Minimal dishes and cleanup make this recipe a lifesaver for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess and effort.

Everything You Need for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty base for the stir fry.
• Eggs (Optional): Extra protein boost for the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides savory umami flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy complexity.
• Oyster Sauce: Deepens the overall taste profile.
• Brown Sugar: Balances and sweetens the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Water: Adjusts sauce consistency.

• Broccoli Florets: Crunchy and nutritious green vegetable.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian stir fry flavor base.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty garnish for texture.
• Green Onions: Fresh, light topping for brightness.

• Rice, Noodles: Ideal base for serving the stir fry.

Quick Cooking Guide for Stir Fry Success

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Brown sugar
• Red pepper flakes
• Water
• Cornstarch

Whisk everything until smooth and set aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Remove any extra fat if needed.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Layers

Toss diced onions into the skillet and let them soften for a couple minutes.

Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring until your kitchen fills with an incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Veggie Magic

Drop broccoli florets into the skillet and mix thoroughly with the beef.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything, ensuring each piece gets coated.

Cover and cook until broccoli becomes tender yet maintains a slight crunch.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the sizzling stir fry over steamed rice or noodles.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and beautiful presentation.

Stir Fry Tips That Boost Flavor

• Remove extra grease from ground beef by tilting the pan and using a spoon to scoop out oil, ensuring a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Keep broccoli vibrant and crunchy by cooking just until tender, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy, dull-colored vegetables.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for an extra punch of tangy or spicy complexity.
• Chop vegetables and mix sauce ingredients in advance to reduce cooking time and make the stir fry a weeknight-friendly meal.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps the dish light and nutritious.

How to Keep Stir Fry Fresh and Tasty

• 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 to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Cook until the dish is steaming hot throughout.

Easy Sides for a Stir Fry Meal

• Pair with Crisp Asian Beer: Select a light lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cut through the richness of the ground beef and balance the savory sauce.
• Create Complementary Rice Sides: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice with a hint of garlic to absorb the stir fry's flavorful sauce and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Match with Refreshing Green Tea: Brew a chilled sencha or genmaicha green tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's umami notes with its subtle, grassy undertones.
• Serve with Zesty Asian Slaw: Prepare a quick cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to add a bright, crunchy element that complements the warm stir fry.

Flavor Mix-Ins for Beef and Broccoli

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables, creating a lighter meal perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives to create a completely meat-free version that maintains the original dish's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or replace with coconut aminos, and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Heat Variation: Increase red pepper flakes, add sriracha sauce, or incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers to create a more intense and fiery version for heat-loving food enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a similar stir-fry experience.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a less spicy version.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, it’s not gluten-free due to soy sauce and oyster sauce. To make it gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance. Cook the stir-fry just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef and broccoli stir fry delivers Chinese-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Quick skillet magic combines lean protein with crisp green vegetables, creating a satisfying meal packed with bold flavors and nutritious goodness you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)

Serving and Garnish:

• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Let the mixture rest while preparing other ingredients.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, continuously breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Remove excess grease if necessary.
3. Incorporate diced onions into the beef, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their aromatic qualities.
4. Introduce broccoli florets to the beef mixture, ensuring thorough integration. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, coating everything evenly. Reduce heat and cover, allowing the dish to simmer for 5-7 minutes until broccoli reaches a tender-crisp texture and the sauce thickens.
5. Transfer the stir fry onto a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions across the top for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli interchangeably, ensuring even chopping for consistent cooking.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg