Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

This quick and savory stir-fry combines tender ground beef with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce, served over jasmine rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's packed with protein and deliciousness!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lower-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 2 cups thinly sliced yellow onion
• 2 (8 ounce) packages fresh broccoli florets, trimmed
• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or sticky rice, or as needed
• Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar. Make sure the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. Set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green, tender-crisp, and the onion is browned. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate, leaving the skillet unwashed.
3. Cook the ground beef: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and kosher salt, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Add the sauce: Whisk the broth mixture again and pour it into the skillet with the ground beef. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Combine the beef and vegetables: Return the cooked broccoli and onions to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce evenly coats the meat and vegetables, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	665
Total Fat	32g (41%)
Saturated Fat	8g (42%)
Cholesterol	101mg (34%)
Sodium	1235mg (54%)
Total Carbohydrate	57g (21%)
Dietary Fiber	6g (20%)
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	39g (78%)
Vitamin C	81mg (90%)
Calcium	125mg (10%)
Iron	5mg (27%)
Potassium	1081mg (23%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your individual calorie needs. Consult a healthcare provider if you are on a medically restricted diet.

The Story and Origins of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a modern adaptation of the traditional Chinese dish known simply as "Beef and Broccoli." The original version has roots in Cantonese cuisine, where tender slices of beef are quickly stir-fried with fresh broccoli or Chinese broccoli in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and garlic. The ground beef version emerged in the United States as a convenient, budget-friendly alternative, allowing home cooks to enjoy the flavors of Chinese-American cuisine without the need for precise slicing skills or specialty cuts of meat.

Regional Variations and Influences

While the classic Beef and Broccoli is most popular in Cantonese-influenced regions, the ground beef version has gained traction across the United States, particularly in areas with limited access to specialty Asian ingredients. Some regional variations incorporate different vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas. Additionally, the sauce may be adjusted for sweetness or saltiness depending on local palate preferences, making this dish a versatile staple in both American and Asian fusion kitchens.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Beef and Broccoli, which uses thinly sliced beef, this recipe substitutes ground beef, creating a quicker-cooking and more economical option. The texture is also distinct: the crumbled meat evenly absorbs the sauce, contrasting with the chewiness of sliced beef. Compared to other stir-fries, such as Mongolian beef or garlic chicken stir fry, Ground Beef and Broccoli focuses on a balance of meat and vegetable while keeping the sauce simple, lightly sweet, and savory rather than heavily spiced or sticky.

Where This Dish Is Commonly Served

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is often served in casual family dinners, weeknight meals, and meal prep settings due to its speed and simplicity. Its also a popular choice at home-style Chinese-American restaurants and takeout spots where quick, flavorful meals are preferred. The dish is traditionally paired with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or occasionally noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal for both adults and children.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The Americanized ground beef version allows cooks to use pantry staples, avoiding specialty cuts or ingredients often found in traditional Chinese cooking.
• Broccoli, a vegetable introduced from Europe to China centuries ago, became a staple in stir-fries when the dish migrated back to Western countries.
• Ground Beef and Broccoli has become a popular dish for meal prep because it reheats well and maintains its flavor even after storing in the refrigerator.
• The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for experimenting with flavors, such as adding sesame oil, chili flakes, or mushrooms to enhance taste and texture.
• Despite its American roots, the dish retains the essential characteristics of traditional stir-frying: high heat, quick cooking, and fresh vegetables paired with protein.

FAQ about Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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