Introduction
Remember those busy weeknights when dinner felt like a marathon? You’d stare into the fridge, feeling that familiar pang of “what’s for dinner?” I’ve been there, friend, and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, comes together in a flash, and has a way of making everyone at the table smile. Seriously, get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 20-25 minutes, start to finish!
- Easy: Minimal chopping, simple steps, and no fancy techniques required.
- Giftable: Okay, maybe not the finished dish, but the idea of having this recipe ready for busy friends or family is a gift in itself!
- Crowd-pleasing: This stir fry has a way of satisfying everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. It’s a true winner!
Ingredients
Let’s gather up our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you might already have on hand.
- 1 lb Lean ground beef: Our hearty protein star! Leaner is better to keep things from getting too greasy.
- 6 cups Small broccoli florets: The vibrant, green goodness that makes this dish so healthy and delicious. Feel free to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: The aromatic backbone of so many great meals. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, minced: That little zing that adds so much depth and warmth. If you can’t find fresh, a teaspoon of ground ginger can work in a pinch.
- 1 Small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and wonderful aroma as it cooks.
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce: This is a flavor powerhouse! It adds an umami depth that you won’t believe.
- 1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Our savory base. Tamari is a great gluten-free option.
- 1/2 tbsp Arrowroot powder: This is our secret weapon for a perfectly thickened sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Honey or coconut sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the savory and tangy flavors.
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil: For that irresistible nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way!
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar: Adds a lovely tang and brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 cup Water: To help dissolve our sauce ingredients and create that perfect consistency.
How to Make It
Alright, apron on? Let’s do this! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week.
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Make Your Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), fish sauce, honey (or coconut sugar), arrowroot powder, and water. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Set this magical sauce mixture aside. This is like your express ticket to flavor town!
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Brown the Beef:
Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Get in there with a spoon and break it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned all over. Once it’s cooked, drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy stir fry!
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Aromatics In!
Now, toss in your minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you can really smell their amazing fragrance. Oh, that smell is the best!
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Broccoli Time:
Add your beautiful broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bite, not be mushy.
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Sauce It Up!
Pour that prepared sauce mixture you made earlier right into the skillet. Stir continuously. You’ll see it start to bubble and thicken, coating all those lovely pieces of beef and broccoli. It’s so satisfying to watch!
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A Little Tang:
Finally, stir in the rice vinegar. This adds that perfect finishing touch of brightness.
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Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry immediately. It’s fantastic on its own or served over fluffy steamed rice or quinoa.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super forgiving and happy to adapt to what you have or what you love! Here are a few ideas:
- Veggies: Feeling inspired? Add sliced bell peppers (any color!), snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even some chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Protein: No ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken would work beautifully here too. For a vegetarian option, try firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed.
- Spice: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to your sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Stick with tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’re golden!
- Nutty Flavor: If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, a good quality regular sesame oil will do, but toasted really brings that extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to make your stir fry absolutely perfect every single time.
- Prep Ahead: Mince your garlic and ginger, and slice your onion before you start cooking. Having everything ready to go in the pan makes the actual cooking process super smooth.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking the beef in batches. Crowding the pan can steam the meat instead of browning it, which we don’t want!
- Broccoli Size Matters: Cut your broccoli into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly.
- Thickening Power: Arrowroot powder works quickly. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens to prevent any lumps and ensure even coating. If it gets too thick, a tiny splash more water can loosen it up.
How to Store It
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stir fry reheats wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce.
FAQs
Is this recipe truly quick?
Absolutely! With minimal prep and fast cooking, you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! If using frozen broccoli, you might want to thaw it slightly and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I serve this stir fry with?
This stir fry is fantastic served over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It’s also delicious on its own!
Is fish sauce really necessary?
While you could omit it, fish sauce is a key ingredient that adds a wonderful depth of umami flavor that makes this stir fry truly special. It doesn’t make the dish taste “fishy,” but rather enhances all the other savory notes.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- Small bowl For mixing the sauce
- Large skillet or wok
- Spoon For breaking up ground beef
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Lean ground beef Leaner is better to keep things from getting too greasy.
- 6 cups Small broccoli florets Feel free to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Don't skimp on the garlic!
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, minced If you can't find fresh, a teaspoon of ground ginger can work in a pinch.
- 1 small Yellow onion, thinly sliced
Sauce ingredients
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce This is a flavor powerhouse!
- 0.25 cup Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari Tamari is a great gluten-free option.
- 0.5 tbsp Arrowroot powder This is our secret weapon for a perfectly thickened sauce.
- 1 tbsp Honey or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil For that irresistible nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way!
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 0.25 cup Water To help dissolve our sauce ingredients and create that perfect consistency.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), fish sauce, honey (or coconut sugar), arrowroot powder, and water. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Set this magical sauce mixture aside.
- Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Get in there with a spoon and break it up as it cooks until it's nicely browned all over. Once it's cooked, drain off any excess grease.
- Now, toss in your minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you can really smell their amazing fragrance.
- Add your beautiful broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
- Pour that prepared sauce mixture you made earlier right into the skillet. Stir continuously. You'll see it start to bubble and thicken, coating all those lovely pieces of beef and broccoli.
- Finally, stir in the rice vinegar. This adds that perfect finishing touch of brightness.
- Serve your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry immediately. It’s fantastic on its own or served over fluffy steamed rice or quinoa.