This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the ideal combination of savory flavors and vibrant textures. Tender ground beef pairs perfectly with crisp broccoli, all brought together with a sweet and tangy sauce. The sesame oil and soy sauce add a rich, umami depth, while the red pepper flakes provide just a hint of heat.
It’s the perfect quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can serve it on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles for a heartier meal. This recipe is a great way to get the whole family eating their veggies without any fuss.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Add red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender yet still crisp.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce creates a dish that is not only packed with protein but also full of flavor. This stir fry is an excellent option for anyone looking for a meal that is both healthy and easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Choose Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fantastic choice for those who want a balanced meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense vegetable that adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor to the stir fry. Together, they create a harmonious blend that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds.
In addition to being quick and easy, this dish is also highly customizable. You can adjust the level of sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness in the sauce to suit your preferences. The recipe allows for flexibility, so feel free to add other vegetables or spices to enhance the flavors and make it your own. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry can also be served on its own or with a side of rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Health Benefits of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This stir fry offers a wealth of health benefits, making it a great addition to your regular meal rotation. First and foremost, ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also plays a crucial role in immune function, hormone regulation, and enzyme production.
Broccoli, known for its high nutrient content, is loaded with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Broccoli is also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, the vegetable contains antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
When combined with the healthy fats from sesame oil and the low-sodium soy sauce in this stir fry, you get a meal that is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to fuel your body.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the main reasons why Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is such a popular choice is because it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. The recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. Unlike many other stir fry recipes, this one doesn’t require a lot of prep time or fancy ingredients, so you can make it with items you likely already have in your pantry.
Since the dish is cooked in one pan, there’s minimal cleanup required, which is always a bonus when you’re short on time. This makes it ideal for busy individuals or families who want a healthy meal without the hassle of complicated recipes or a pile of dirty dishes.
Meal Prep Friendly
If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping for the week, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a great choice. It holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
To make meal prep even easier, you can double or triple the recipe and divide it into individual portions. Store the stir fry in airtight containers and keep it refrigerated for up to four days. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with your favorite rice or a side of roasted vegetables.
Customization Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add other vegetables to the stir fry, depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas all work wonderfully and can add a burst of color and extra nutrients to the dish. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, they would also complement the savory flavors of the beef and broccoli.
For a more intense flavor, you can experiment with different types of sauces. While soy sauce is a key component in this recipe, you could try using tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste. To boost the heat level, add a few extra red pepper flakes or even some fresh chili peppers. You can also try adding a bit of hoisin sauce for a sweet and salty twist.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can serve the stir fry with cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice. This will give you the same satisfying texture without the added carbohydrates.
Why Stir Frying is the Perfect Cooking Method
Stir frying is a popular cooking method because it allows you to quickly cook ingredients at high heat, which helps preserve their flavor and texture. This cooking method is ideal for vegetables like broccoli, which tend to become mushy if overcooked. By stir frying the broccoli just long enough to retain its crispness, you can enjoy its full flavor and nutritional benefits.
Another reason stir frying is such an excellent technique is that it allows the ingredients to absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming soggy or weighed down. The high heat helps to caramelize the sauce and create a rich, savory glaze on the beef and broccoli, making every bite packed with flavor.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is an easy, nutritious, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead, this recipe fits the bill. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this stir fry provides a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Its versatility means you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences, and the quick cooking time makes it a great choice for busy nights.
Whether served on its own or with rice or noodles, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a meal that will keep you coming back for more. It’s an ideal way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. Try it today and see why this dish has become a favorite in so many homes!