This savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect balance of tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in no time and delivers on flavor every single time.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the broccoli, making it a healthy option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over rice or on its own for a light, satisfying dinner. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and energizing, perfect for when you need something that’s simple yet full of flavor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 cups broccoli florets
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1/4 cup green onions, sliced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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While the beef is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal for Busy Weeknights
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s both flavorful and nutritious, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the answer. This dish brings together the savory richness of ground beef with the fresh crunch of broccoli, all wrapped in a tasty sauce that’s packed with savory umami. The best part? It’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you need something healthy yet satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this stir-fry is versatile, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.
Why Choose Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry offers a balanced combination of protein and vegetables, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to get a nutritious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins, while broccoli provides an array of nutrients including vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Together, they create a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also supports your overall health.
One of the standout features of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can customize it with a variety of seasonings, sauces, and vegetables to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, for example, you can easily swap it for other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Likewise, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes or fresh chilies to ramp up the heat.
The Benefits of a Stir-Fry Meal
Stir-frying is one of the fastest and healthiest cooking methods, which makes it a great option for busy people. Unlike other cooking techniques that can take time to preheat or require longer cooking times, stir-frying uses high heat for a short period to quickly cook food. This ensures that the ingredients retain their natural flavors and nutrients, giving you a meal that’s not only quick but also healthy.
Another benefit of stir-frying is that it’s an incredibly versatile method that can accommodate a wide range of ingredients. You can experiment with different meats, vegetables, and sauces, so you never have to make the same stir-fry twice. The recipe’s simplicity also means that you can always have it on hand as a go-to dish when you need something easy and delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Meal prepping has become a popular trend for those looking to save time and eat healthier throughout the week. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is an ideal recipe for meal prep because it stores well and reheats beautifully. You can make a big batch and portion it into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own for a lower-carb option.
By preparing this stir-fry in advance, you not only ensure that you’ll have a nutritious meal ready to go but also make your week a little less stressful. You can keep your meal prep simple by using basic ingredients, or get creative with flavor combinations to keep things interesting.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Umami
One of the key components of this dish is the rich, savory sauce that ties everything together. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil brings out the best in the ground beef and broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of garlic and ginger enhances the dish’s depth, giving it a slight zing and an aromatic freshness that complements the umami-packed sauce.
If you like to experiment with flavors, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. For example, you can add a splash of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness or a dash of rice vinegar for some acidity. These small tweaks can completely transform the flavor profile, allowing you to make this stir-fry your own.
Customizing Your Stir-Fry
One of the great things about stir-fry is how easily it can be customized to your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try to change things up:
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Vegetables: While broccoli is the star of this dish, you can swap it out for other vegetables depending on what you have in your kitchen. Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy all work wonderfully in stir-fries. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite veggies for a colorful and nutritious dish.
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Protein: While ground beef is the base of this stir-fry, you can also use other proteins such as chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The cooking method remains the same, so you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences.
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Sauce Variations: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try swapping the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. You can also experiment with adding different spices such as five-spice powder or chili paste for a bit of heat.
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Rice or Noodles: While the stir-fry itself is delicious on its own, it can be served with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed rice or noodles. Cauliflower rice is also a great low-carb alternative if you’re watching your carb intake.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for Families
This dish is a great option for families, as it’s easy to make in large batches and can be served with various sides to suit everyone’s tastes. Kids will love the tender beef and crunchy broccoli, and the mild flavor of the sauce means it’s not too overpowering for young palates. If you have picky eaters in your household, you can adjust the veggies to include more familiar choices like carrots or peas, ensuring that everyone enjoys the meal.
Health Benefits of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that promote good health. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle building, immune function, and overall health. It also contains significant amounts of iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells and supports oxygen transport in the body.
Broccoli, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, offering vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Adding broccoli to your meals is a great way to boost your vegetable intake and increase the nutritional value of your diet.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein and vegetables, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead, this stir-fry delivers. Its rich flavors, healthy ingredients, and versatility make it a recipe that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal in no time. Try it tonight and discover just how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!