Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry cooked on the stovetop, featuring tender broccoli florets, savory ground beef, and a rich savory-sweet sauce served over fluffy cooked rice. This dish is perfect for a wholesome family dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or 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
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Work: Begin by combining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a covered container. Shake well to mix and set it aside in a cool place. Next, mix together the remaining sauce ingredients—beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil—in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add the broccoli florets and toss them to coat in the oil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the heat and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper as desired. In the same pan, add the ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat. Cook while crumbling the beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with beef and vegetables and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking and bubbling gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked broccoli back into the pan, and stir well to combine everything. Heat through for another minute or so. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil depending on preference.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to control sweetness.
- Ensure broccoli is patted dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
- Drain grease from ground beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant finish.
- For a thicker sauce, add slightly more cornstarch slurry, but do so gradually.
- Use white pepper for more subtle heat or black pepper for bolder flavor.
