Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a delicious and easy dish that captures the essence of quick home cooking. This meal brings together tender pieces of ground beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or hearty family dinners. With its delightful flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
There are countless reasons to adore this ground beef and broccoli stir fry. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Even if you’re short on time or cooking skills, you can whip this up in less than 30 minutes. The ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a satisfying meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. The dish is also versatile; you can adjust the sauce to fit your tastes or add extra veggies to make it healthier. Plus, using ground beef makes it budget-friendly while maintaining a rich flavor. This stir fry can easily become a weekly staple, bringing both comfort and convenience to your dinner table.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Directions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- While the beef cooks, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.
- Serve the stir fry hot over a bed of cooked rice or toss it with noodles.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Serving this ground beef and broccoli stir fry can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like. Begin by placing a generous scoop of your stir fry on a plate or bowl. If you choose rice, a mound of fluffy white rice complements the dish wonderfully, soaking up the savory sauce. For those who prefer a noodle base, toss the stir fry with cooked egg noodles or rice noodles for a delightful twist. To enhance presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top. This dish can stand alone, but adding a side of spring rolls or garlic bread can elevate the meal further. Enjoy it casually at home or dress it up for a dinner with friends; this stir fry works perfectly for both occasions.
Expert Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
To make your ground beef and broccoli stir fry even more delicious, consider some expert tips. First, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the ingredients. A hot pan helps to sear the beef quickly, preventing it from becoming greasy. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, work in batches to maintain that desirable sear and prevent steaming. Using fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger will significantly enhance the flavors, so it’s worth the extra effort. For texture, add additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for color and crunch. Lastly, adjusting the sauce to suit your taste can make a significant difference. You can make it sweeter, spicier, or even add a splash of citrus for a zesty kick.
How to Store Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Storing ground beef and broccoli stir fry is simple and can help maintain its flavors. First, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to reheat your stir fry, use a microwave or skillet until it’s warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Place the stir fry in freezer-safe containers, and it will be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variations of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Exploring variations of ground beef and broccoli stir fry can keep your meals exciting. One option is to change the protein; substituting ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu can cater to different dietary preferences. You might also customize the vegetables; try adding bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added color and nutrition. As for flavors, you can experiment with sauces; teriyaki or hoisin sauce can lend a sweet and tangy twist. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. Don’t forget about the garnishes; adding chopped nuts offers crunch, while fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the dish. These simple adjustments can tailor the stir fry to suit any palate.
FAQ about Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
What is the best way to cook ground beef?
The best way to cook ground beef is to use a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it browns evenly while breaking it apart with a spatula.
Can I use frozen broccoli for the stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari.
Can I prepare this stir fry in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with ground beef and broccoli stir fry?
This stir fry pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to balance flavors.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for healthier option.
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Preferably fresh.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced For added flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Or gluten-free soy sauce as alternative.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar For sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil For flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Cooked rice or noodles For serving.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until browned and fully cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.
- Serve the stir fry hot over a bed of cooked rice or toss it with noodles.
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