Description
A savory and satisfying Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe combining tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner served over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 cup beef broth (or 1/2 cup beef broth/water as alternate)
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (start with 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake well to create a slurry. Set aside in a cool place. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, honey (starting with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil to make the sauce. Adjust honey amount at the end if needed.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same skillet, cook beef and diced onions over medium-high heat, breaking beef apart until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add sliced red bell peppers and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue simmering gently until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through thoroughly. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit oyster sauce or use gluten-free alternative.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey and brown sugar amounts to personal taste.
- Cooking broccoli until just tender retains its crunch and vibrant color.
- Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasy dish.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor but powder alternatives can be used if needed.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
