This hearty dish features tender ground beef mixed with crisp broccoli in a tasty sauce. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavors that everyone will love!
Sometimes, I sneak in extra broccoli just to feel a bit healthier—because who doesn’t want to be a superhero with their veggies? 🥦💪
I enjoy serving this over rice or noodles, making it a filling meal. Plus, it comes together quickly, which is perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken. They have less fat but still pack a solid protein punch. If you want a plant-based twist, consider using textured vegetable protein or tofu.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great, but feel free to substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or green beans. Frozen broccoli also works well if you’re short on time!
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce adds salty depth to the dish. If you want a low-sodium option or need a gluten-free choice, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a unique flavor, but you can skip it if you’re vegetarian. Just use a little extra soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar for sweetness if needed.
Cornstarch: It’s used for thickening the sauce. You can swap it with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Broccoli Is Cooked Just Right?
Getting broccoli just right can be tricky! You want it tender but still bright green and crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Start adding your broccoli when the beef is nearly done cooking; this way, it only needs 3-4 minutes to soften.
- If you’re worried about overcooking, you can blanch it first in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the skillet.
- Watch the color—you’ll know it’s ready when it turns bright green and is tender enough to pierce with a fork.
By keeping an eye on it and checking with a fork, you’ll achieve that perfect texture!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. This will create a nice sizzle for your ingredients!
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until they become fragrant. This adds a beautiful flavor base to your stir-fry.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it fully cooked and a nice brown color.
4. Add Broccoli:
Stir in the broccoli florets and cook them with the beef for an additional 3-4 minutes. This allows them to soften a bit while still keeping a nice crunch.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and water. Stir it until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This will be your tasty sauce!
6. Coat the Stir-Fry:
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Mix everything well to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Yum!
7. Season and Serve:
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you like. Serve the stir-fry over the cooked white rice for a complete meal.
8. Garnish:
Top your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a wonderful finish. Enjoy your delicious ground beef and broccoli stir-fry!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using leaner meats, as they may cook faster than ground beef.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can either omit it completely or use a bit more soy sauce for flavor. Another great alternative is hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Stir-Fry?
Of course! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet along with the broccoli, adjusting the cooking time as necessary until they’re tender-crisp.
