Description
A flavorful and quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry that combines tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef and a rich, slightly sweet sauce. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, served over steamed rice.
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 and Thickener
- 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: Gather and prepare all your ingredients by washing and drying the broccoli, dicing the onion, and slicing the red bell pepper.
- Make Sauce and Slurry: Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container; shake well to mix and set aside in a cool place. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil; set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat them in oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is slightly softened but remains crisp. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Add the beef to the same pan over medium-high heat along with the diced onions. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and peppers, bring to a boil, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook gently, allowing the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of honey for desired sweetness.
- For extra flavor, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
- Use any type of cooked rice – white, brown, jasmine, or basmati.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
