If you’re craving a quick and flavorful stir fry, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a must-try! It’s packed with savory flavor, loaded with veggies, and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
You can easily customize this dish with different proteins like ground chicken or turkey, and swap in any vegetables you have on hand. It’s also great for meal prep and freezer-friendly, making it a go-to for easy lunches and dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Done in 30 minutes, all in one pan.
- Customizable: Works with various proteins and vegetables.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Flavorful Sauce: A rich, balanced blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 lb. 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 (mixed and set aside)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
To Serve:
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower for keto)
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
1. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. In a separate small container, shake together cornstarch and cold water. Set both aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Add ground beef and onions to the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned. Drain excess grease. Add red bell peppers and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then stir it into the pan. Let the sauce simmer and thicken to your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve:
Reduce heat to low. Add the broccoli back to the skillet and toss everything together to heat through. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or your favorite toppings.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives.
- Add More Veggies: Try carrots, snow peas, kale, water chestnuts, or baby corn.
- Lower the Carbs: Use cauliflower rice and substitute sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol for brown sugar and honey.
- Skip the Cornstarch (Keto-Friendly): The sauce won’t be as thick, but the flavor still shines.
- Top It Off: Add sliced almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, or crunchy chow mein noodles for texture.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Make Perfect Rice
Add 2 cups of water to a pot with 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of long grain white rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit (covered) for 10 minutes before fluffing. This makes about 3 cups of deliciously seasoned rice!