Ground Beef and Broccoli

A quick and flavorful 30-minute meal featuring tender broccoli, savory ground beef, and a rich, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce. This easy stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or tofu.
• Nutritious – Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok – Ensures even cooking and a good sear on the beef.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Mixing bowls – To prepare the sauce and cornstarch mixture.
• Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir and toss ingredients without scratching the pan.

Preparation Tips

• Wash and dry the broccoli to prevent excess water from affecting the stir-fry.
• Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
• Measure ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
• Preheat the pan before adding ingredients to enhance flavors.

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Ingredients (4 Servings)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a small container, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli

• Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add broccoli, toss to coat, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly softened.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

• Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired.
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the beef with onions until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
• Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add the Sauce

• Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Shake the cornstarch mixture, then slowly stir it into the sauce.
• Let it bubble until thickened.

5. Combine and Serve

• Reduce heat to low and return the broccoli to the pan. Stir to combine.
• Serve hot over cooked rice.
• Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts, if desired.

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Tips and Variations

• Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
• Vegetable Additions: Try adding julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale.
• Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium broth.
• Frozen Broccoli: Can be used—just thaw, pat dry, and proceed as directed.
• For Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some great ways to serve it:

1. Over Rice

• Use white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
• For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
• If making in advance, fluff the rice before serving to prevent clumping.

2. With Noodles

• Serve over cooked lo mein, rice noodles, or ramen for a different texture.
• Toss the noodles in a little sesame oil before adding the stir-fry.

3. Low-Carb Option

• Use cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a low-carb alternative.
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) also work well with the stir-fry sauce.

4. Extra Protein

• Top with a fried egg for added richness.
• Stir in some scrambled eggs or tofu for more protein.

5. Toppings for Extra Crunch

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
• Add crispy chow mein noodles or sliced almonds for extra texture.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Broccoli

• Mistake: Cooking the broccoli too long makes it mushy.
• Solution: Stir-fry it for only 4 to 5 minutes to keep it crisp-tender.

2. Using Too Much Sauce

• Mistake: Excess sauce can make the dish too salty or overpowering.
• Solution: Start with less sauce, then adjust as needed.

3. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly

• Mistake: If cornstarch is not mixed well, the sauce may be lumpy.
• Solution: Stir the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved before adding it to the pan.

4. Skipping the Draining Step for Beef

• Mistake: Leaving excess grease in the pan makes the dish oily.
• Solution: Drain excess fat after cooking the beef, especially if using high-fat ground beef.

5. Not Prepping Ingredients in Advance

• Mistake: Stir-frying happens quickly, so stopping to chop ingredients slows down cooking.
• Solution: Prep all vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand for a smoother process.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Pair this dish with one or more of these delicious sides to create a complete meal.

1. Egg Rolls

Crispy, golden egg rolls filled with cabbage, carrots, and meat or tofu make a perfect crunchy side.

2. Fried Rice

A flavorful way to use leftover rice. Add scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions for a quick homemade fried rice.

3. Steamed Dumplings

Soft and juicy dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables are a great addition to this meal.

4. Asian Slaw

A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing balances the richness of the stir-fry.

5. Miso Soup

A light and savory soup with tofu and seaweed makes a great starter before enjoying the stir-fry.

6. Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers in a light soy sauce and vinegar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the dish.

7. Garlic Green Beans

Quickly stir-fried green beans with garlic and soy sauce add more veggies to your meal.

8. Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, avocado, and rice noodles wrapped in rice paper are a light and refreshing side.

Recipe Tips for the Best Results

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh broccoli, garlic, and ginger will give your dish the best flavor. If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. Adjust the Sweetness and Saltiness

The balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey determines the overall flavor. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust based on your preference. If it tastes too salty, add a splash of water or unsalted beef broth to mellow it out.

3. Cook the Beef Properly

To get the best texture and flavor, cook the ground beef on medium-high heat until browned and slightly crispy. If using a higher-fat beef, drain excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Overloading the pan can cause the vegetables and meat to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and better flavor.

5. Make it Spicy

For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce.

6. Serve Immediately for the Best Texture

This dish is best served fresh. If you need to reheat it, follow the storage and reheating tips below to keep it tasting great.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the rice and stir-fry separate if possible to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.

Freezer

• Place cooled stir-fry (without rice) in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Reheating Instructions

Stovetop (Best Method)

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Microwave (For Quick Reheating)

• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Oven (For Large Portions)

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the stir-fry in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients in advance and store them separately. Cook when ready to serve for the best texture.

2. What’s the best substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the stir-fry.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari or coconut aminos) and ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free.

5. What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can substitute arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in equal amounts to thicken the sauce.

6. How can I lower the sodium content?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth. You can also reduce the soy sauce slightly and replace it with water.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can affect the texture of the beef and vegetables.

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Conclusion

This ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With a simple ingredient list and a quick cooking time, it’s a great meal option for families, meal prep, or even a healthier alternative to takeout.

Whether served over rice, noodles, or a low-carb option, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try making it today, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy!