Description
A delicious and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe featuring tender broccoli florets and flavorful ground beef in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfectly cooked rice complements this quick and satisfying meal.
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 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
- 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, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook, crumbling the meat, until browned and fully 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 skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch mixture again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and stir well to combine and heat through. Adjust honey if more sweetness is desired. Garnish with green onions if preferred and serve over the cooked rice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef if preferred.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Additional vegetables like julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale can be added for extra texture.
- Toppings like green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds make great garnish options.
- To reduce sodium, use low sodium soy sauce and/or reduced sodium beef broth.
- Perfect rice cooking process: Bring 2 cups water to a boil with 2 chicken bouillon cubes for flavor, add 1 cup white long grain rice, bring back to boil, cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
- Rice amounts and cooking times may vary with different rice varieties.
