Description
This quick and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring savory ground beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli florets coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a simple, homemade alternative to takeout that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Savory Stir-Fry Sauce
1 cup water
6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
For Serving
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Steamed white rice
Instructions
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Set the sauce aside.
Cook the Broccoli
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and barely tender. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate.
Brown the Ground Beef
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles, until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine and Thicken
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and stir until it’s heated through and coated in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Serve the dish hot over steamed white rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Preventing Mushy Broccoli: For perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, cook it separately first until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Removing it from the pan before adding the beef and sauce prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Enhancing Flavor: Using fresh garlic and ginger provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor than powdered alternatives. This small step makes a significant difference in the final taste of the dish.
Achieving a Thick Sauce: Don’t be afraid to let the sauce come to a full boil once you’ve added it to the pan. This activates the cornstarch and is crucial for achieving that desired glossy, thick consistency. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the stir-fry sauce and chop the broccoli ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and keep the broccoli in a sealed bag in the crisper drawer for a quick assembly on a busy night.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef, beef and broccoli, stir-fry, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, quick recipe, one-pan meal