- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or proteins like ground turkey or chicken.
- Family-Friendly: A flavorful dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, honey, hot sauce (if using), and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onions. Cook, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Bell Peppers and Garlic: Stir in sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry to ensure it’s well-mixed, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale for added nutrition and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium broth to decrease the salt content.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until hot.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw and pat dry the frozen broccoli before using to prevent excess moisture.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. A side of egg rolls or a simple salad complements it well.
How can I add more flavor to the rice?
Cook the rice in chicken broth or add a bouillon cube to the water for enhanced flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and can be portioned for meals throughout the week.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers.
How do I control the sodium content?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth, and adjust added salt to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
What type of ground beef is best?
An 85% lean ground beef is recommended for optimal flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a versatile and quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that ties it all together.
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy this quick and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry! Packed with protein and crisp vegetables, this flavorful dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a family-friendly, versatile meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, and ground ginger in a bowl. Set aside.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté broccoli for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook ground beef and diced onions until browned and softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add Bell Peppers and Garlic: Stir in bell peppers and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce: Pour prepared sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir cornstarch slurry and gradually add to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return broccoli to skillet, stir to combine, and heat through. Garnish with green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust hot sauce or red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
