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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A quick, comforting stir fry made with savory ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Gives good flavor; leaner works too.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets About one medium head.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil Or 1 tbsp sesame + 1 tbsp neutral oil.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water Broth adds more flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Instructions

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and the ground beef. Break the beef into pieces and cook until evenly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if you used high-fat beef.
  • Push the beef to the side or create a small well in the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir the garlic and ginger into the beef, then add the broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and broccoli.
  • Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes as the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens. Adjust the sauce's thickness with water if needed.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa.

Notes

This dish is flexible; you can swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Broccoli can be replaced with snap peas or carrots. It can also be made with ground turkey or chicken.