This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is quick and tasty! It combines juicy ground beef with crunchy broccoli, all tossed in a simple sauce that brings everything together nicely.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds great flavor and protein. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Alternatively, for a meat-free version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but you can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw it and stir-fry it a minute or two less.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. If you prefer gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. For a fun twist, add a splash of teriyaki sauce!
Oyster Sauce: This sauce provides depth. If you have a shellfish allergy or dislike it, swap out for hoisin sauce or a thick soy sauce for similar sweetness and umami.
Rice: I love jasmine rice for its aroma, but any type of rice works. Try brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier option.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet to ensure a good sear.
- Break the beef apart with your spatula, cooking until no pink remains and you see a nice brown color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches.
- To enhance flavor, let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly browned beef for a delicious stir-fry every time!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Serving:
- 1 cup white or jasmine rice (uncooked)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total: around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, set it aside and keep it warm for serving later.
2. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Optional Ginger:
Next, add the minced garlic (and grated ginger if you’re using it) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until everything is fragrant.
5. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it!
6. Mix in the Sauces:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
7. Combine with Broccoli:
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together to coat the broccoli with the beef and sauce mixture.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1 minute.
9. Serve Hot:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over the warm rice.
10. Garnish & Enjoy:
Top your dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor. Dig in and enjoy this delicious meal!
With its hearty, savory flavors and colorful veggies, this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a thick soy sauce for a similar sweet and savory flavor. You can also leave it out entirely and just use additional soy sauce if you prefer.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or warm them gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir-Fry?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or any veggies you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on how long they take to cook!
