When serving ground beef and broccoli stir fry, steamed jasmine rice is a perfect pairing. Its subtle sweetness complements the savory stir fry, creating a satisfying balance. The rice soaks up all the flavorful sauces, enhancing every bite.
For a lighter, low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great option. It’s nutritious, filling, and absorbs the stir fry’s delicious sauce without overpowering the dish. It’s a great way to keep things light but still satisfying.
Crispy egg rolls are an excellent side to add some crunch and indulgence to the meal. The warm, crunchy exterior and savory filling bring a decadent contrast to the stir fry. They’re the perfect bite alongside the dish.
Finally, serve a side of Asian slaw to introduce a refreshing crunch. The tangy, crisp slaw complements the warmth of the stir fry, adding a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
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Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Imagine this: a hectic weeknight, the clock is ticking, and you need dinner on the table—fast.
`Enter this quick stir fry. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and, best of all, it packs flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
I remember the first time I prepared this dish. With a few simple ingredients, it transformed a busy weeknight into an exciting culinary experience.
I felt like a superstar chef, and the best part? It took less time than I spent deciding what to cook.
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
At its core, ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a dish featuring—surprise!—ground beef and broccoli, tossed together with a delightful mix of sauces and spices.
The vivid green of the broccoli provides a fresh contrast to the richly flavored beef. It’s typically served over rice or cauliflower rice, making it a filling yet healthy meal option.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Quick Preparation
This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. In our busy lives, every minute counts, and this means you can have a homemade meal ready in a flash.
2. Balanced Nutrition
Ground beef offers protein while broccoli delivers essential vitamins and nutrients. This combination makes the meal not only delicious but also nourishing.
3. Versatile Ingredients
The ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted to suit personal tastes. Have a few extra veggies lying around? Toss them in!
4. Flavor Explosion
With soy sauce, garlic, and ginger working together, every bite is an explosion of flavor. It tantalizes your taste buds, making dinner an enjoyable experience instead of a chore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delightful meal, gather the following ingredients. Let me assure you, these are pantry staples in many homes:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets and briefly blanched
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
How To Make This?
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. Chop the broccoli, mince the garlic, and dice the onion. Prepping your vegetables not only saves time but also keeps the cooking process smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add onions, letting them soften for about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. The smell alone is inviting.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned. Importantly, you want the beef to lose its pink color, which typically takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and arrowroot powder in a bowl. This sauce acts as the flavor powerhouse, so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Once the beef is browned, pour the sauce mixture over the meat. Stir well to ensure the beef is coated.
Add the blanched broccoli and mix gently, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the broccoli to absorb some of the sauce while keeping it tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve
Now, it’s time to make your bowl. Serve the stir fry over rice or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips
- Blanching Broccoli: This step keeps the broccoli vibrant green while ensuring it’s tender. Just a couple of minutes in boiling water does the trick.
- Ground Beef Alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. These proteins work well without sacrificing flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. It enhances nutrition and adds color.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately. Stir fry right at dinner time for efficiency.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
ground beef and broccoli stir fry nutrition facts
How to Store The Leftovers?
To keep your stir fry fresh for future meals, store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply toss it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, a microwave will do in a pinch.
Recommended Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Spring Rolls
Light and fresh, spring rolls filled with vermicelli and crunchy veggies take this meal up a notch. The dipping sauce makes them irresistible.
2. Miso Soup
A warm bowl of miso soup adds a cozy element, balancing the heartiness of the stir fry with its lightness.
3. Steamed Dumplings
Whether filled with pork or vegetables, steamed dumplings provide a comforting side that complements the flavors of the stir fry.
4. Cucumber Salad
A quick cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast. The crispness of cucumbers cuts through the heat of the stir fry.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Not all kitchens are equipped with the same staples, which is why here are a few handy substitutes:
1. Ground Beef: Substitute with ground pork or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Both have fantastic flavors that work beautifully in a stir fry.
2. Soy Sauce: If you’re looking to reduce sodium, use coconut aminos or broth as a low-sodium alternative.
3. Arrowroot Powder: Cornstarch can step in as a thickener if arrowroot isn’t available, just remember to mix it with cold water first.
4. Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can serve as a sweeter alternative to maple syrup, still maintaining that touch of sweetness.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93% lean
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 large head of broccoli chopped into florets and briefly blanched
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions thinly sliced on the diagonal
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering everything you need. Chop the broccoli, mince the garlic, and dice the onion. Prepping your vegetables not only saves time but also keeps the cooking process smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add onions, letting them soften for about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. The smell alone is inviting.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
- Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned. Importantly, you want the beef to lose its pink color, which typically takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
- While the beef is cooking, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and arrowroot powder in a bowl. This sauce acts as the flavor powerhouse, so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Combine and Cook
- Once the beef is browned, pour the sauce mixture over the meat. Stir well to ensure the beef is coated.
- Add the blanched broccoli and mix gently, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the broccoli to absorb some of the sauce while keeping it tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve
- Now, it’s time to make your bowl. Serve the stir fry over rice or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Blanching Broccoli: This step keeps the broccoli vibrant green while ensuring it’s tender. Just a couple of minutes in boiling water does the trick.
- Ground Beef Alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. These proteins work well without sacrificing flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. It enhances nutrition and adds color.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately. Stir fry right at dinner time for efficiency.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli in this dish?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw it and remove excess water before adding it to your stir fry.
2. Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
For sure! You can add sliced chili peppers while sautéing the beef or use a spicier soy sauce variant.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?
Yes, this stir fry can be frozen. Just be sure to freeze it without the rice. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.
4. What gluten-free options are there?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and opt for gluten-free rice noodles instead of regular rice.
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Switch out the ground beef for tofu or tempeh. You can also use a plant-based stir fry sauce to ensure all flavors align.
Conclusion
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saver, a pleasure for your taste buds, and a friend to your health. With its quick prep time, nutritious ingredients, and incredible flavor, it stands out as a weeknight hero.
As a busy person keen on healthy eating, I can’t recommend it enough. This dish allows me to enjoy cooking while juggling other responsibilities.
So next time you find yourself wondering what’s for dinner, give this ground beef and broccoli stir fry a shot. It might just become a staple in your home, and if it does, don’t forget to share that extra serving with someone who needs a little comfort food magic in their life!
