Description
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty stir-fry that combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli florets, and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over fluffy rice and offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Units
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/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
- Prep Work: Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake to combine. Place in a cool location. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients including beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil; set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Add ground beef and diced onion to the same pan over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble the meat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add sliced red bell peppers and cook for an additional 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with beef and vegetables and bring to a boil. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly stir it into the boiling sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble gently until it thickens to your liking.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low, return the cooked broccoli to the pan, and stir to combine. Heat through evenly. Optionally garnish with green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Additional ingredients like julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale can be added for more texture and flavor.
- Toppings such as green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds enhance the dish.
- To reduce sodium intake, opt for low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium beef broth.
- Perfectly cooked rice process: Boil 2 cups water (optional: add 2 chicken bouillon cubes), add 1 cup white long grain rice and return to boil, cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. This yields 3 cups of flavorful rice.
- Note that different rice types may require adjustments to water quantity and cooking time.
