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Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This quick ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. No marinating or complicated knife work required—just simple ingredients and bold savory-sweet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado or canola oil)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce first. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Set both aside.
  2. Prep your vegetables. Cut the broccoli into florets about the size of your thumb. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Slice the green onions on a diagonal angle.
  3. Heat your wok or skillet over high heat until a drop of water sizzles instantly. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
  4. Cook the ground beef. Add the beef to the hot pan, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown without stirring for about 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 4-5 minutes total. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
  5. Stir-fry the broccoli. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green with a few charred spots. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of water and cover for 30 seconds to steam slightly.
  6. Add aromatics. Push the broccoli to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  7. Combine everything. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir to coat. Let it bubble for about 1 minute, then give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it in. Toss everything together—the sauce will thicken almost immediately.
  8. Finish and serve. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary. Have all ingredients prepped before starting. Let the beef brown undisturbed for 2 minutes for better flavor. Add sesame oil to the sauce, not the cooking oil, to prevent bitterness. Taste and adjust soy sauce for saltiness. If broccoli is thick, blanch in boiling water for 60 seconds before stir-frying. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and broccoli stir fry, quick stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, 20 minute dinner, beef and broccoli, ground beef recipe, stir fry recipe

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