Easy • Beef
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and satisfying weeknight stir-fry featuring savory ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a simple, flavorful sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Easy
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Craving takeout but want something homemade and healthier? This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is your answer! It's lightning-fast, incredibly delicious, and uses pantry staples. Juicy ground beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together for a meal that's sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients (beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using) until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3
Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. If broccoli seems too hard, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover briefly, and let it steam for a minute or two.
Step 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5
Give the prepared sauce another quick whisk, then pour it over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. The cornstarch will help it thicken quickly.
Step 6
Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Tips
- For extra veggies, add sliced carrots or bell peppers along with the broccoli.
- If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- To prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy, cook it until it's just tender-crisp; it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
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