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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Best 15-Minute Dinner

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A quick and forgiving weeknight stir fry with ground beef and broccoli in a savory, garlicky sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 3 cups (about 300g) broccoli florets (fresh, cut into small pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)

Instructions

  1. Prep the broccoli: Wash and pat dry the broccoli. Cut florets into small, uniform pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Peel the thick stem and slice into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick). Set aside.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and ¼ cup water. In a separate tiny bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Set both near the stove.
  3. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and heat until shimmering. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let cook undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a brown crust, then break into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes total. Transfer beef to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the pan.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir fry the broccoli: Add broccoli florets and sliced stems to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, letting them char slightly. If pan looks dry, add 1-2 tablespoons water and cover with a lid for 30 seconds to steam slightly.
  6. Combine everything: Return cooked beef to the pan. Stir the sauce (cornstarch settles) and pour over beef and broccoli. Toss together and let bubble for about 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats everything.
  7. Finish and serve: Drizzle sesame oil over the top and toss once more. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For best results, get the pan screaming hot before adding ingredients. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook beef in batches if doubling. Always make a cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, let simmer another minute. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, broccoli, stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, 15-minute recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-ground-beef-and-broccoli-stir-fry-best-15-minute-dinner/