Quick & Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Winner!

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy? Look no further than this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry! It’s a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and savory flavors, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still want to serve a wholesome and satisfying meal.

This recipe is infinitely customizable, allowing you to adjust the sauce, add different vegetables, or change the protein to suit your taste preferences. We’ll cover some variations and helpful tips to make this stir-fry your go-to dinner solution.

## Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein from ground beef and vitamins from broccoli.
* **One-Pan Meal:** Minimizes cleanup – always a win!
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Delicious:** A flavorful and satisfying combination that the whole family will love.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this fantastic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand; this recipe is very forgiving.

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound, lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 works best)
* **Broccoli:** 4 cups, broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup, low-sodium soy sauce
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon (or honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon (optional, adds a nice tang)
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Cooking Oil:** 1 tablespoon (vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
* **Cooked Rice or Noodles:** For serving

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry:

**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**

* If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen broccoli, you can use it directly from the freezer. If the florets are large, cut them in half or quarters for more even cooking.

**Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid clumps in your stir-fry.

**Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef**

* Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger**

* Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 5: Add the Broccoli**

* Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, it may take a bit longer to cook.

**Step 6: Pour in the Sauce**

* Pour the stir-fry sauce over the ground beef and broccoli. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired).

## Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

* **Use Lean Ground Beef:** This helps to minimize the amount of grease in the stir-fry.
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** Feel free to add more or less brown sugar, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** This makes the cooking process much faster and easier. Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out the sauce ingredients before you start cooking.
* **Use a Hot Skillet or Wok:** This helps to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If you are making a large batch of stir-fry, it’s best to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed rather than stir-fried vegetables.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, and then add it to the stir-fry sauce while it is simmering.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is very versatile and can be easily adapted to your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

* **Protein:** Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even tofu.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.
* **Sauce:** Try using different sauces like teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce. For a spicier kick, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
* **Low-Carb:** Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You can also use a sugar substitute instead of brown sugar.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.

## Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is delicious served over:

* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **Noodles:** Lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** For a low-carb option.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier grain option.

It can also be served as a filling for lettuce wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the stir-fry sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. The ground beef can also be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze this stir-fry. However, the broccoli may become a bit mushy upon thawing. To freeze, allow the stir-fry to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Here’s the full recipe card for easy printing and saving!

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
* 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
* Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
5. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the ground beef and broccoli. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired).

Enjoy your delicious and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry!

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility, speed, and delightful flavors make it a winner for weeknight dinners. Feel free to experiment with different variations to find your family’s favorite combination. Happy cooking!