Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while being super easy to whip up.
Imagine coming home after a long day, and within 30 minutes, you’re enjoying a delicious, homemade meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
It’s quick, straightforward, and requires minimal prep. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash – and we all love that, right?
So, next time you’re in a dinner rut, give this stir fry a go – your taste buds will thank you!
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
Not a beef fan? No problem. Chicken, turkey, or even tofu can be excellent substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
Veggie Swaps
Feel free to mix and match your veggies. Snow peas, zucchini, or even baby corn can be great additions.
The key is to choose vegetables that have similar cooking times to keep the dish balanced.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
Over Steamed Rice: Serve over white or brown steamed rice for a classic pairing.
With Noodles: Serve with stir-fried noodles or lo mein for a more substantial meal.
Side of Egg Rolls: Pair with vegetable or chicken egg rolls for an appetizer.
With a Salad: Serve alongside a light Asian-inspired salad, such as a cucumber or carrot salad with a sesame dressing.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Lettuce Wraps: Serve in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh alternative.
Fried Rice: Pair with homemade fried rice for a complete meal.
Sautéed Greens: Serve with a side of sautéed bok choy, spinach, or kale for added greens.
These suggestions will enhance your meal, making it more delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Here are some helpful cooking tips to ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry turns out perfectly:
Prep Ingredients First: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir fries cook quickly, so it’s essential to have everything ready to go.
High Heat Cooking: Use high heat to cook the beef and vegetables quickly. This helps to keep the broccoli crisp-tender and gives a nice sear to the beef.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet or wok is too small, cook the ingredients in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming the food instead of stir-frying it.
Fresh Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or more red pepper flakes for heat.
Thickening the Sauce: Ensure the sauce thickens by letting it cook for a few minutes after adding it to the stir fry. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken as it heats.
Garlic and Ginger: Mince the garlic and ginger finely to ensure they evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
Cooking Broccoli Evenly: To ensure the broccoli cooks evenly, cut the florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more variety and color in your stir fry.
Garnish Last: Add garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant appearance.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and perfectly cooked Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Enjoy your meal!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, this stir fry can be keto-friendly. Ensure you’re using low-carb vegetables and serve it without rice or noodles.
Can I add more vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to the broccoli for the best results.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium if preferred
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics:Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Broccoli:Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the beef mixture.Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp, and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve:Serve the ground beef and broccoli stir fry over cooked rice or noodles.Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.