This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep. Combining tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers in a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is served over rice for a complete, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Its adaptability and simplicity make it a favorite among home cooks.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/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
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 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
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Directions
- Prep the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with water in a container, shake to combine, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust sweetness to taste.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and toss to coat.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired.
- Cook and crumble the beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine the Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture, then stir it into the sauce slowly until thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add broccoli back to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions if desired and serve over cooked rice.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 488 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This flavorful and balanced meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Culinary Delight for Every Occasion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry has become a household staple for good reason. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with nutrients, offering a balanced meal that appeals to a variety of tastes. With its harmonious blend of tender ground beef, crunchy broccoli, and the sweetness of red bell peppers, all wrapped in a luscious sweet-savory sauce, this dish exemplifies the art of simplicity in cooking. Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a reliable meal-prep recipe, this stir fry has you covered.
The Appeal of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Speed and Convenience
One of the standout features of this recipe is its efficiency. In just 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal ready to serve. The short cook time makes it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Unlike recipes that require hours of marination or preparation, this stir fry leverages fresh, readily available ingredients that cook quickly while retaining their natural flavors and textures.
2. A Nutritional Powerhouse
Broccoli, a star ingredient in this dish, is renowned for its health benefits. Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber, it contributes to better digestion, immune support, and overall well-being. Paired with ground beef, which provides essential protein and iron, this dish creates a nutritionally balanced meal. Red bell peppers add a burst of color and a wealth of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin A, while the sauce ingredients like garlic and ginger bring added health-boosting properties.
3. Adaptability and Customization
The flexibility of this recipe is another reason for its popularity. It can easily be tailored to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For a lower-carb option, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Vegetarians can replace ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or even firm tofu. For those seeking a spicier kick, adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce can elevate the flavor profile.
Key Techniques for Success
Balancing Flavors
The sauce is the soul of this dish, combining soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger into a flavorful glaze. It’s important to achieve the right balance of sweet and savory to suit your taste preferences. Starting with a smaller amount of honey and adjusting as needed allows you to control the sweetness. The addition of toasted sesame oil at the end lends a subtle nuttiness that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Maintaining Texture
To ensure the best texture, timing is crucial when cooking the vegetables. The broccoli should be slightly tender yet still crisp, offering a satisfying bite. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture that detracts from the dish’s appeal. Similarly, the bell peppers are added toward the end of the beef cooking process to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Efficient Meal Prep
For those interested in meal prepping, this dish is a dream. It can be prepared in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Store the cooked stir fry and rice separately to maintain texture and reheat portions as needed.
Serving Suggestions
While the recipe is traditionally served over white or brown rice, there are several other serving options to explore. Quinoa, a protein-packed grain, makes a fantastic alternative for those seeking additional nutrients. For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free, and consider serving the stir fry over gluten-free noodles. To add a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime.
Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is more than just a quick meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together seamlessly. The contrast of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich sauce creates a dining experience that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Its vibrant presentation, with pops of green, red, and golden brown, makes it visually appealing—a factor that adds to its charm when serving guests or family.
Moreover, this dish is economical and accessible. Ground beef and broccoli are budget-friendly staples that are available year-round, making this recipe a practical choice for households of all sizes. The use of pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch further enhances its affordability.
A Versatile Foundation for Creativity
This stir fry can also serve as a foundational recipe for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. For an Asian-inspired twist, consider adding water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or bok choy. If you’re looking to infuse more protein, toss in a handful of cooked shrimp or diced chicken alongside the beef. A drizzle of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce can add another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Additionally, the recipe lends itself well to themed variations. For example, incorporating pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce can transform it into a Hawaiian-inspired dish. Swapping out the broccoli for snow peas or snap peas can also create a different texture and taste experience while maintaining the recipe’s essence.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the epitome of a practical, nutritious, and flavorful meal. Its quick preparation time, balanced ingredients, and adaptability make it a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner, a meal-prep option for the week, or a dish to impress friends, it delivers on all fronts. By customizing it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences, you can make this recipe truly your own.
In a world where convenience often comes at the expense of quality, this stir fry proves that you don’t have to compromise. It’s a recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, leaving you and your loved ones satisfied and coming back for more. So the next time you’re in search of a quick, nourishing, and delicious meal, look no further than this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
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Flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli in Savory Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep. Combining tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers in a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is served over rice for a complete, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Its adaptability and simplicity make it a favorite among home cooks.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/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
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 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
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with water in a container, shake to combine, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust sweetness to taste.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and toss to coat.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired.
- Cook and crumble the beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine the Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture, then stir it into the sauce slowly until thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add broccoli back to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions if desired and serve over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes