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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

4.6 from 140 reviews

A quick and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful homemade sauce, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner 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

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 12 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

  1. Prep Work: Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake to combine. Place in a cool location. In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining sauce ingredients including beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add broccoli florets, toss to coat with oil, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same pan, cook and crumble the beef along with diced onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the sliced red bell peppers and cook for 1 additional minute.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch mixture and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  5. Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine and heat through. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Notes

  • You can adjust the honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or more savory according to your taste.
  • Use fresh broccoli florets and make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess water in the pan.
  • Draining the grease from the cooked beef helps keep the dish lighter and prevents excess oiliness.
  • For perfectly cooked rice, rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
  • Substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil if preferred or if allergies are a concern.

Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, beef stir-fry, Asian beef recipe, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, beef and vegetable stir-fry, homemade beef stir fry sauce