Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
A perfect comfort meal, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is an excellent substitute for Chinese takeout! It comes together in a single skillet for a super easy dinner that's perfect to serve over rice or noodles.
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Next time you find yourself craving Chinese takeout, resist the urge to order in and make this easy dish yourself! This incredible beef and broccoli stir fry comes together in one skillet for a meal that's ideal on busy weeknights thanks to simple steps.
Why this Recipe Works
Using lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a rich and flavorful sauce, this delicious ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is sure to become an instant favorite!
Aside from the homemade sauce, everything comes together in one pot for easy prep for a quick weeknight meal. It's a great way to fight those takeout cravings with a healthier and more affordable dish.
For even more amazing takeout-inspired meals, try my Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry or this amazing Steak Fried Rice.
Ingredients Needed
- Beef Broth: Gives the sauce a rich savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce:
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the savory sauce with some sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce:
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the stir-fry sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced is always recommended.
- Ginger: You can also use fresh grated ginger, you'll need about 1 tablespoon.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of added heat.
- Ground Beef: ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork for slightly lighter options.
- Veggies: I use onions, bell peppers, and fresh broccoli for this recipe.
How to Make this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Step 1: Whisk together beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, Hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small prep bowl.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef, onion, and peppers. Sauté until beef is browned and veggies are soft, then drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add garlic and ginger and mix into the beef mixture until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the sauce and broccoli florets, then give it a good stir and let the mixture come up to a simmer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes and serve.
Recipe Tips
- I like to use red bell peppers for a nice pop of color, but feel free to use green, yellow, or orange peppers instead (or a mix of colors).
- Serve your beef and broccoli over a bed of rice (white rice, jasmine rice, and brown rice all work well), or your favorite rice noodles. Cauliflower rice is another great option.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for a fast future meal.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, but I recommend thawing the broccoli beforehand so it cooks properly. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent the sauce from thinning out. A fresh head of broccoli will be better if you want that bright green color and fresh flavor.
Be sure you get the temperature of the sauce high enough to thicken it. You may also need to add some extra cornstarch mixed with warm water and let the liquid simmer out.
More Easy Skillet Recipes
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper cut into this slices
- 3 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces frozen or fresh
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Hoisin sauce, cornstarch, in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
- Heat olive oil in a 12 inch skillet on medium high heat and add the ground beef, onion and red bell peppers and cook until browned and veggies are soft. Drain any extra fat from the skillet.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds or just until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce and chopped broccoli, stir and let simmer on low 4-5 minutes.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer your broccoli on the softer side, steam or boil it for 4-5 minutes, then drain and add it to the ground beef.
- If you have leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
