Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
A flavorful and hearty Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry combining tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef in a rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or 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)
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (+ 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
Instructions
- Prep Work: Prepare all ingredients by washing and drying broccoli florets, dicing the onion, slicing the red bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Cook the rice according to package instructions if not already prepared.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake well until mixed. Set aside in a cool place.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon honey. Set aside. You can add the second tablespoon of honey later if desired for extra sweetness.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add broccoli florets, toss to coat with oil, and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper to taste. Add the beef and diced onions to the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, crumbling the beef, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook together for 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Add the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the prepared cornstarch slurry again, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Heat Through: Reduce heat to low. Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir well to combine everything. Heat through for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve the beef and broccoli mixture hot over prepared cooked rice.
Notes
- Use peanut oil for authentic flavor, but vegetable or olive oil can be substituted.
- Adjust honey quantity according to taste preference for sweetness.
- Drain excess grease from cooked ground beef for a healthier dish.
- If you want a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Cook rice in advance or use leftover rice for convenience.
- To make the broccoli crisp-tender, avoid overcooking it in step 4.
- Garnishing with green onions adds a fresh, bright flavor complimentary to the dish.
Keywords: Ground beef broccoli recipe, beef and broccoli stir-fry, easy beef dinner, stove top beef and broccoli, savory beef broccoli sauce
