This tasty dish brings together tender ground beef and crunchy broccoli in a quick stir-fry. The mix of flavors is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a busy night!
I love how this meal can be ready in no time. Just sauté the beef, toss in the broccoli, and add your favorite sauce. It’s simple and so good, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian alternative, you could substitute with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrients. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works well too, just adjust the cooking time. You can also swap in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick, but it’s totally optional. If you’d like, you can use hoisin sauce or even mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative, which still brings depth to your stir-fry.
Sesame Oil: Use this for a toasted nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, try olive oil or peanut oil, though the taste will differ. I personally love the aroma sesame oil brings to the dish!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Broccoli in Stir-Fry?
Broccoli should be cooked to get that tender crisp texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, heat your skillet or wok well—this helps to keep the broccoli bright green and crunchy.
- Add the broccoli after the beef is browned so it cooks quickly without losing its color.
- Stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes; you want it bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you can have a quick and tasty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the next ingredients.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic:
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This will give your stir-fry a fantastic flavor base!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it out!
4. Add the Broccoli:
Next, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook them together with the beef for another 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a nice crunch.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and beef broth or water. If you want your sauce a bit thicker, mix in the cornstarch now. This will give your stir-fry a lovely texture.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken just a bit.
7. Season to Taste:
Now, sprinkle in salt and pepper to suit your taste. You can add a little more or less, depending on your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your ground beef and broccoli stir-fry over the cooked white rice. Top it off with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that it cooks a bit quicker, so monitor it closely and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid drying it out.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or hoisin sauce for sweetness. Alternatively, a mix of soy sauce and some sesame oil will also work in a pinch.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a touch of water or broth if it seems dry to keep things saucy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stir-Fry?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into uniform pieces and add them in with the broccoli, adjusting cooking times as needed for tenderness.
