This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is quick and tasty! With juicy beef and bright green broccoli, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in no time.
I love how this dish gives me a delicious balance of protein and veggies—all in one bowl! It’s so simple that I often whip it up for dinner when I’m short on time. 🕒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish! For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Both provide a similar texture, and you won’t lose any flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds great color and nutrition. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to swap in other veggies like snow peas, bell peppers, or even frozen broccoli if it’s a pinch!
Oil: I recommend using sesame oil for its wonderful flavor, but vegetable oil works perfectly if that’s what you have. It all depends on your taste preference!
Sauces: Low sodium soy sauce keeps it healthier, but you could use regular soy sauce if needed. Oyster sauce adds depth; if you’re avoiding oysters, try mushroom sauce for a vegetarian twist!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Broccoli for Stir Fry?
Cooking broccoli just right can make all the difference! You want it crispy and bright green, not mushy. Here’s how to get it just perfect:
- After adding broccoli to the skillet, stir it often to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until it’s bright, vibrant, and just tender. You want it to retain a little crunch!
- If you like, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes beforehand. Then, quickly plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking—this method helps to keep the bright color!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, so you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Start by cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Set these aside for later.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot. This is where all flavors will come together!
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft. This adds a sweet flavor base to your stir fry.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, add the minced garlic and optional ginger. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring often, until they release their fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn them!
5. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, browning evenly (this should take about 5-7 minutes). If there’s any excess fat, drain it out for a lighter dish.
6. Add Broccoli:
Stir in the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and start to become tender, keeping a nice crunch.
7. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth (or water). This will create a rich and tasty sauce for your stir fry.
8. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the beef and veggies are well-coated.
9. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up and beautifully coats the beef and broccoli.
10. Garnish:
Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and crunch.
11. Serve:
Serve your stir fry hot over cooked white rice. Use chopsticks if you’d like for a fun twist! Enjoy your meal!
This quick and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table—enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen broccoli, simply add it straight into the skillet without thawing. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through, adjusting time as needed for tenderness.
What’s a Good Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works great! You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just cook until browned and follow the same instructions!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step a day in advance. Just store the prepped ingredients separately. When you’re ready, just cook as directed for a quick, fresh meal!
