Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect combination of flavor and convenience, offering a quick, nutritious meal that’s anything but ordinary. Tender broccoli meets savory, umami-packed ground beef, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
The star of this recipe is its balanced sauce, where garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth, while soy sauce and brown sugar add a savory-sweet contrast. Cornstarch subtly thickens it all, coating each ingredient with rich, crave-worthy flavor.
Serve this stir fry over steamed rice for a complete meal, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a touch of texture and color. It’s a weeknight winner that’s sure to impress.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ingredients
- Ground Beef – The heart of this stir fry, offering savory richness and a meaty bite that pairs perfectly with the vibrant broccoli.
- Broccoli Florets – Crisp and fresh, these florets add texture and nutrition, soaking up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Soy Sauce – This essential brings an umami depth, balancing sweetness with a savory undertone that enhances every bite.
- Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness that complements the soy sauce, creating a harmonious sweet-salty profile.
- Garlic & Ginger – These aromatics infuse the dish with warmth and a fragrant, zesty backdrop that elevates the flavor.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds a subtle acidity, brightening the flavors and enhancing the sauce’s overall complexity.
- Cornstarch – Key for thickening the sauce, it binds everything together, allowing each ingredient to carry the rich flavor
Recipe Tips
- Achieve Perfect Broccoli Texture
To get the ideal tender-crisp texture for your broccoli, cook it over medium-high heat until it blackens in spots. This slight char adds a smoky depth to the flavor and enhances the dish visually. If you prefer softer broccoli, cook it a minute or two longer. Just be mindful not to overcook, as broccoli can quickly turn mushy and lose its vibrant green color. - Master the Sauce Consistency
The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce to coat every bite perfectly. To avoid lumps, ensure it’s well mixed with the liquid ingredients before adding it to the skillet. Stir constantly when the sauce heats to ensure it thickens evenly without sticking to the pan. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra half-teaspoon of cornstarch; for a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch slightly or add a splash more water. - Boosting Flavor with Toasted Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and green onions adds crunch and brightness to the dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation. For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the sesame seeds yourself; simply add them to a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes until they turn golden and aromatic. The subtle nutty flavor they provide balances the rich umami in the sauce beautifully.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice
A classic pairing, steamed jasmine rice soaks up the rich flavors of the stir fry sauce, providing a fragrant, slightly sweet backdrop. For a healthier alternative, use brown rice to add a heartier texture and earthy taste that complements the beef and broccoli well. - Simple Cucumber Salad
A fresh, crisp cucumber salad with a light dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds is a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stir fry. This side dish adds a cooling element and balances out the richness of the beef. - Miso Soup
A light miso soup with tofu, seaweed, and scallions provides a comforting addition to this meal. Its umami notes complement the soy sauce and garlic flavors in the stir fry while offering a soothing, warm element to round out the meal.
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats like turkey and chicken may require a bit less time to prevent dryness. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check all ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, particularly soy sauce and rice vinegar. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce if needed. - Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions. Just cook them along with the broccoli, adjusting the cooking time to keep everything tender-crisp.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect combination of flavor and convenience, offering a quick, nutritious meal that’s anything but ordinary. Tender broccoli meets savory, umami-packed ground beef, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
- 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets about 5 1/4 cups
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger from a 1-inch piece
- 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds optional
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (optional)
- Steamed white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Broccoli
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed some blackened spots, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Add Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the skillet. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with salt. Cook the beef, breaking it into crumbles as it browns, for about 5 minutes. Once the beef is browned, pour in the prepared sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld, about 3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, stirring continuously to coat both the meat and broccoli evenly with the thickened sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the dish is fully combined and heated through. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve over steamed white rice.
