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

Sauce:

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

For Serving:

3 cups cooked rice, any kind

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container. Shake well and set aside in a cool place.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey (reserve the rest), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same pan over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.

Step 5: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 6: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking while gently bubbling until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked broccoli back into the pan, and stir gently to combine and heat through.

Step 9: Taste and add the remaining honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try using fresh ginger instead of ground ginger.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch—just adjust the cooking time until tender.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha if you like some heat.

Make sure to dry the broccoli well before cooking to prevent it from steaming instead of sautéing.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Yes, vegetables like snap peas, green beans, or asparagus work well and can be used following the same cooking method.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Dinner

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction