Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef in a rich, slightly sweet sauce makes this dish a satisfying meal served best over fluffy cooked rice. The recipe balances protein and vegetables with a hint of ginger and garlic, elevated by soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Instructions
- Prep the Cornstarch Mixture: In a covered container, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Shake well to mix and place it in a cool spot until ready to use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat in oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still bright green. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Add the beef and diced onions to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Then add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly reduce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Shake the cornstarch slurry to recombine and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking, gently bubbling, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Combine with Broccoli: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Stir well to coat and heat through evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve the ground beef and broccoli mixture over 3 cups of cooked rice. Adjust honey to taste for additional sweetness if desired.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the broccoli is patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust honey quantity per your sweetness preference, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more after tasting.
- Cornstarch mixture must be mixed with cold water to avoid lumps and achieve smooth sauce thickening.
- Drain excess grease from cooked ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Serve over freshly cooked rice for best flavor and texture; jasmine or basmati rice works well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
