This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep. It combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers in a sweet and savory sauce. Served over rice, it’s a complete meal that’s versatile, nutritious, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/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
- For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 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)
Directions:
- Prep the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with water in a covered container, shake to combine, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired.
- Cook and crumble the beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture, then stir it slowly into the sauce until thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add broccoli back to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over cooked rice.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 488 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Balanced, Flavorful, and Quick Meal Solution
The Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a culinary marvel that checks all the boxes for modern home cooking. It’s quick, simple, nutritious, and versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or satisfying cravings for something both wholesome and flavorful. Combining tender ground beef with crunchy broccoli, vibrant red bell peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish achieves an impressive balance of flavors and textures. Served over a bed of rice, it transforms into a complete, filling meal that appeals to a variety of palates.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or entertaining guests, this stir fry effortlessly fits the occasion. It allows for substitutions and additions to suit dietary preferences, available ingredients, or specific nutritional goals.
For instance:
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives or firm tofu.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is for a carb-conscious meal.
This flexibility means that the recipe not only caters to a variety of dietary needs but also helps in minimizing food waste by using ingredients already on hand.
Nutritional Benefits
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a nutritious one too. The combination of ingredients delivers a rich array of nutrients essential for a balanced diet:
- Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and powerful antioxidants, broccoli contributes to overall health while lending a satisfying crunch.
- Red Bell Peppers: Loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C, red bell peppers add a pop of color and a natural sweetness to the dish.
- Ground Beef: A good source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, ground beef provides energy and supports muscle maintenance.
- Rice: A staple carbohydrate that completes the meal, rice fuels the body and balances the robust flavors of the stir fry.
Additionally, the sauce ingredients, such as garlic and ginger, not only enhance flavor but also offer health benefits like boosting the immune system and improving digestion.
Time-Saving and Meal Prep Friendly
Time is often a critical factor in meal preparation, and this recipe delivers in spades with a total cook time of just 30 minutes. By combining multiple cooking steps in a single skillet, it minimizes cleanup without sacrificing complexity of flavor. The recipe can also be scaled up for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for individuals or families aiming to save time during busy weeks. Cooked stir fry can be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Simply reheat and serve for a meal that’s just as satisfying as the day it was made.
Flavor Profile and Sauce: The Heart of the Dish
At the heart of this recipe is its bold and balanced sauce, a key factor in its widespread appeal. The sauce combines savory soy sauce with the natural sweetness of brown sugar and honey, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The inclusion of garlic and ginger adds depth and complexity, while toasted sesame oil provides a nutty, aromatic finish.
The sauce is thickened with a cornstarch slurry, giving it a glossy texture that clings beautifully to the beef and vegetables. This cohesive combination ensures that every bite is infused with flavor, making the dish irresistible.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and bell peppers ensure a crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
- Preheat the Skillet: A hot skillet allows for proper searing of the ground beef, enhancing its flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Cook the broccoli and bell peppers just until tender-crisp to retain their nutrients and crunch.
- Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust the honey to suit your preference.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh when the flavors and textures are at their peak.
The Appeal of One-Skillet Meals
One-skillet meals like this stir fry are a boon for home cooks. They streamline the cooking process, reduce cleanup, and make multitasking in the kitchen manageable. By layering flavors step by step in the same skillet, the dish develops complexity without requiring extensive culinary techniques or multiple pots and pans.
Pairing Suggestions
While the stir fry is a complete meal on its own, it can be paired with simple side dishes or accompaniments to elevate the dining experience. Consider serving it with:
- Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that complements the hearty stir fry.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
- Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: Offers a soothing beverage option to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, versatile, and satisfying addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Its quick preparation, adaptability, and balanced nutrition make it a go-to dish for busy individuals and families. Whether you’re looking to whip up a last-minute dinner or prepare a week’s worth of meals, this stir fry delivers flavor and convenience in every bite.
By customizing the ingredients to suit your preferences and pairing it with complementary sides, this dish becomes a personalized culinary experience. It’s the perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a delicious and nutritious meal that brings joy to the table.
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Flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli in Savory Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep. It combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers in a sweet and savory sauce. Served over rice, it’s a complete meal that’s versatile, nutritious, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/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
- For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 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 the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with water in a covered container, shake to combine, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired.
- Cook and crumble the beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture, then stir it slowly into the sauce until thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add broccoli back to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes