ground beef and broccoli
Craving takeout? This easy ground beef and broccoli stir-fry beats delivery—ready in 30 mins! Healthy, customizable & family-approved.
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 blend for ideal juiciness
- 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets roughly equal to one large head.
- 2 cloves of garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon of pre-minced jarred garlic for convenience)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger in a pinch)
Flavor-Packed Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce secret umami booster!
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey for depth
- 1 tsp sesame oil don’t skip—it’s the aroma hero!
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, but highly recommended
For Serving
- Cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower for low-carb
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Pro Tips & Swaps:
- Beef Alternatives: Ground turkey chicken, or plant-based crumbles work beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the broccoli.
- Sauce Shortcut: Replace oyster sauce with 1 extra tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp fish sauce.
- 🔸 Time-Saver: Use pre-cut broccoli florets or frozen broccoli thawed and patted dry.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
- Start by whisking the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives flavors time to marry while you cook.
- Cut broccoli into even-sized florets (about 1½-inch pieces) so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef to Golden Perfection
- Warm a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. No oil needed—the beef will release its own fat!
- Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until just browned (about 5 minutes).
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook here—we’ll finish it with the sauce later for maximum juiciness!
- Transfer beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tbsp fat in the pan (drain excess if needed).
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant (your kitchen will smell amazing!).
- Toss in broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Want crisp-tender texture? Add 2 tbsp water and cover for 1 minute to steam.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Return beef to the pan. Drizzle the sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and clings to the ingredients.
Step 5: Taste and Tweak
- Too salty? Add a squeeze of honey.
- Need more kick? Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes.
- Too thick? Splash in 1-2 tbsp water or broth.