Discovering a fast, flavorful, and filling meal for quick weeknight dinners is a game-changer. This delicious ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is your new go-to. It is perfect for those crazy weeknights when you crave something wholesome but lack time. You can easily make this ground beef and broccoli dish healthier than takeout and wonderfully satisfying. It boasts quick prep, robust flavors, and family-friendly appeal, making dinner a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This simple recipe proves that wholesome meals do not require hours in the kitchen. Beyond its crisp texture and vibrant color, broccoli is celebrated for its impressive health benefits. Here is why this ground beef and broccoli dish will become a regular in your rotation:
- Ready in minutes: Get a complete, satisfying meal on the table in under 15 minutes.
- Healthier alternative: It is lower in sugar and oil than many restaurant stir-fries.
- Nutrient-rich: This dish packs a punch with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Simple ingredients: You will likely have most of the pantry staples already on hand.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions.
Ingredients
Making delicious ground beef and broccoli recipes starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Gather these pantry staples and fresh produce to create your flavorful stir-fry.
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the Stir Fry:
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef, 93% lean recommended
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets and blanched*
- For Serving (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice
Notes & Substitutions
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, swap reduced sodium soy sauce with tamari.
- Honey: Feel free to use maple syrup or brown sugar as a sweet alternative.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully for a different lean protein.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture, but frozen florets are a convenient substitute.
- Aromatics: If fresh garlic and ginger are unavailable, use ½ teaspoon of each powder.
Equipment
You do not need many special tools for this easy stir-fry. Grab these basic kitchen items to prepare your perfect ground beef and broccoli meal quickly and efficiently.
- Large deep skillet or wok
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
Creating this simple ground beef and broccoli dish is incredibly straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your flavorful ground beef and broccoli stir-fry in no time. The blanching step for the broccoli is crucial for perfect texture, so do not skip it!
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari), honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will be the flavorful foundation of your stir-fry. Set the sauce aside, ready to add to the skillet later.
- Blanch Broccoli (Pre-preparation): This step ensures your broccoli is perfectly tender-crisp. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for just 2-3 minutes. The broccoli should turn a vibrant green and be crisp-tender, not mushy. Immediately drain the hot water and transfer the blanched broccoli to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process and preserves its vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain the broccoli again thoroughly before moving to the next step.
- Cook Beef and Onion: Heat the sesame oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the lean ground beef and the chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to brown and cook through, which typically takes about 5 minutes. The onion will soften and become translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Add Sauce and Broccoli: Pour the whisked sauce directly into the skillet with the cooked beef and onion. Stir everything together well, ensuring the beef and onions are coated evenly. Cook for just 1 minute; the sauce will thicken as it heats, creating a glossy coating. Immediately add the blanched and drained broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss gently to combine the broccoli with the beef and the rich, thickened sauce. Cook for just 1 more minute to heat the broccoli through and allow it to absorb some of the delicious sauce without overcooking.
- Serve: Divide the hot ground beef and broccoli mixture evenly among four plates or shallow bowls. If you are using cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving, layer it first on the plate before spooning the stir-fry over the top. This creates a complete and satisfying meal presentation.
- Garnish: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions (cut on the bias) to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green. Serve your homemade stir-fry immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Elevate your homemade stir-fry with these simple yet effective pro tips. Achieving restaurant-quality flavor and texture in your beef and broccoli stir-fry is easier than you think.
- Blanching Perfection: Do not skip blanching the broccoli. It ensures your broccoli is tender inside yet crisp-tender broccoli, not soggy, perfectly complementing the beef.
- Fresh Aromatics: Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic. They provide a much brighter, more potent flavor profile compared to their powdered counterparts, greatly enhancing the dish.
- High Heat, Quick Stir: Stir-fries thrive on high heat and fast cooking. This method sears the meat quickly and keeps vegetables crisp, achieving that authentic stir-fry texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the broccoli. Feel free to adjust the balance of sweet (honey) and savory (soy sauce) to suit your personal preference.
- Prevent Watery Sauce: The cornstarch in the sauce is key to thickening. It prevents a watery sauce, ensuring your stir-fry is glossy and coats all the ingredients beautifully.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This incredible beef with broccoli dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to serve it, store leftovers, and experiment with exciting variations:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice, wholesome brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- Additional Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or crisp snap peas during the last minute of cooking.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, pork, or even firm tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Spice Level: For a kick, stir in sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This stir-fry freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
This healthy ground beef and broccoli recipe packs a nutritional punch, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced meal. It provides substantial protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized. For a detailed breakdown of its components, understanding the nutritional value of lean ground beef can help in balanced meal planning. This homemade option is a much healthier alternative to many traditional takeout dishes.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 3/4 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 327 kcal |
| Protein | 29g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Highlights: Rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe? Yes, you can. Thaw it completely, pat it dry, and then blanch it briefly as directed for the best texture.
- How can I make this ground beef and broccoli recipe gluten-free? Simply substitute the reduced sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- What other vegetables can I add to this stir-fry? Sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or baby corn would all be delicious additions. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Can I prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Cooked leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef and broccoli recipes proves that quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinners are entirely achievable. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout. It is packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce, making it a homemade favorite for the whole family. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover the joy of simple, wholesome cooking!