Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a delightful dish that combines tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. This meal not only tastes incredible; it also brings together a variety of flavors and textures that make it satisfying and fulfilling. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or any time you crave something delicious and easy to prepare.
Why We Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This ground beef and broccoli stir fry stands out for several reasons. First, it features simple, wholesome ingredients that you can quickly find at your local grocery store. The beef provides a hearty basis for the dish, while the broccoli adds a boost of nutrition, packing in essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of flavors and textures creates a colorful, appealing meal that everyone will love.
Easy to customize, this stir fry allows you to introduce different veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. It also cooks in just one pan, which simplifies cleanup and makes it easy to whip up even when you’re short on time. Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own, this dish offers a delightful balance of taste and convenience.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it browns completely. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli florets. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet still crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until the cornstarch dissolves.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Add the beef broth and stir everything to coat well.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
When serving ground beef and broccoli stir fry, you have several options to enhance your dining experience. The most common choice is to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the tasty sauce and adds a satisfying base to this dish. You can use plain steamed rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Another option is to pair the stir fry with noodles. Thin rice noodles or egg noodles complement the crunchy broccoli and tender beef beautifully. Drizzling a little extra sauce over the noodles can add even more flavor.
If you prefer a lighter meal, you can serve the stir fry on its own, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. This approach is perfect for those looking to keep their calorie counts in check while still enjoying a delicious, filling dish. Whichever way you choose to serve it, your ground beef and broccoli stir fry is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Expert Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
To make your ground beef and broccoli stir fry even more enjoyable, consider these expert tips. First, ensure your pan is properly preheated before adding the oil and beef. A hot pan helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in flavors and moisture. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you’re cooking a double batch, it’s best to do so in two separate rounds to maintain proper cooking temperatures.
Using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference in flavor. Fresh broccoli not only ensures a better taste but also adds crunch and bright color to your dish. Feel free to vary the veggies; snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots can add additional flavor and texture.
For added depth, consider marinating the ground beef for about 30 minutes before cooking. A simple mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can enhance its flavor significantly. Lastly, don’t forget the seasoning. Adjust the salt, pepper, and even a dash of chili flakes to tailor the dish to your taste preference.
How to Store Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
To store your ground beef and broccoli stir fry, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the ingredients. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it.
When freezing, divide the stir fry into individual portions, which makes it easier to reheat just what you need. Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. This dish can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help rejuvenate the sauce as it warms.
Variations of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This ground beef and broccoli stir fry is versatile, and there are many variations you can try to keep things interesting. One option is to add different vegetables for added color and flavor. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby corn can enhance the dish, providing more texture and taste.
If you’re looking to change up the protein, you can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options provide a lighter alternative while still delivering a satisfying meal. For a vegetarian twist, consider using textured vegetable protein or tofu, marinating it similar to the beef for maximum flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add chili paste or fresh sliced chilies to the stir fry. You can adjust the spice level based on your preferences. Additionally, consider adding something crunchy, like chopped peanuts or cashews, right before serving for that extra touch of texture.
FAQ about Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
What is ground beef and broccoli stir fry?
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and tasty meal that combines ground beef and broccoli in a flavorful sauce, often served over rice or noodles.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just keep in mind that frozen broccoli may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this ground beef and broccoli stir fry gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that all other sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the broccoli and measure out your sauces so that cooking goes quickly during meal prep.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch or allow the stir fry to cook a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Ground beef and broccoli stir fry stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep.
How do I add more flavor to the stir fry?
You can add more flavor by using fresh herbs, more garlic, or experimenting with different sauces such as teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving optional
- to taste Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
- to taste Green onions, chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until browned completely. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli florets, mixing well and cooking for an additional 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until cornstarch dissolves.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Add beef broth and stir to coat.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
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