15-Minute Beef & Broccoli

This 15-minute ground beef and broccoli stir-fry has become my weeknight dinner hero when time is tight but I still want something homemade and nourishing. The savory sauce coats tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli for a meal that rivals takeout but comes together in just one pan.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed something quick but still wholesome. My family was shocked when I had dinner on the table in under 20 minutes and now it's in our regular rotation of emergency meals that actually taste amazing.

Ingredients

• Ground beef. Use lean ground beef for less fat while maintaining flavor. The fine texture absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Beef broth. Provides the base of the sauce. Low sodium version allows you to control the saltiness.
• Oyster sauce. The secret ingredient that adds incredible umami depth. Look for versions without MSG.
• Soy sauce. Brings essential saltiness and savory notes. Again choose low sodium to control the final flavor.
• Honey. Balances the savory elements with just enough sweetness. Local honey adds a nice touch.
• Rice vinegar. Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness. Dont skip this ingredient.
• Garlic. Fresh minced cloves provide aromatic foundation. Use plump firm cloves for best flavor.
• Ginger. Fresh grated ginger brings zingy warmth. Store your ginger root in the freezer for longer shelf life.
• Broccoli florets. Perfect for soaking up sauce. Frozen works beautifully and saves prep time.
• Cornstarch. Creates the signature glossy thickened sauce. Always mix with cool water before adding.
• Sesame oil. Optional but adds authentic nutty finish. A little goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

Set a large pan over medium high heat and add the beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while it cooks until no pink remains about 5 minutes. The finer you break up the meat the more surface area to absorb delicious sauce later.

Prepare the Sauce

While beef cooks whisk together beef broth oyster sauce soy sauce honey rice vinegar garlic powder and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Having this mixture ready allows for quick assembly once the beef is done and ensures all flavors are well combined.

Add Aromatics

Push cooked beef to the sides of the pan creating a well in the center. Add minced garlic and ginger to this space and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant. This method toasts the aromatics in the beef fat intensifying their flavors before they blend with everything else.

Combine and Simmer

Drain excess fat then add the sauce mixture and broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together ensuring the broccoli gets coated in liquid. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer allowing broccoli to cook through about 4 minutes for frozen or until it reaches your preferred tenderness.

Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch and cool water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the pan while stirring continuously. Let the mixture come to a bubble and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes watching as the sauce transforms into a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli.

Finish and Serve

Stir in a small drizzle of sesame oil if using which adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Immediately serve over hot rice or noodles for a complete meal that feels special despite taking minutes to prepare.

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The oyster sauce is really what makes this dish special in my kitchen. The first time I made this without it just didnt taste right. My daughter actually pointed out that something was missing which led me to never skip it again. It adds that restaurant quality taste that makes everyone think you spent far longer cooking.

Vegetable Variations

This recipe welcomes a variety of vegetables beyond broccoli. Snow peas snap peas and thinly sliced bell peppers work wonderfully and cook in about the same time as broccoli. For carrots consider shredding or julienning them first so they cook quickly. Mushrooms add a meaty texture and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can even use a frozen Asian vegetable blend when youre really short on time.

Sauce Adjustments

The sauce in this recipe can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy more heat increase the red pepper flakes or add a squirt of sriracha. For a sweeter profile add an extra teaspoon of honey. Those avoiding oyster sauce can substitute with a combination of extra soy sauce and a bit more honey though youll miss some depth of flavor. The thickness can be adjusted too more cornstarch for a thicker sauce or less for something lighter.

Serving Suggestions

While rice is the classic pairing I often serve this over cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. Noodles like rice noodles egg noodles or even spaghetti work wonderfully too. For a complete meal add a simple side like cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. Leftover beef and broccoli also makes an amazing filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed into a baked potato for lunch the next day.

Storage Tips

This dish keeps remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop making day two sometimes even better than day one. When reheating add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it thickens upon standing. While you can freeze this meal the texture of the broccoli will soften upon thawing so I prefer to make it fresh or refrigerate leftovers.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works perfectly in this dish. Just cut the florets into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Fresh broccoli may require slightly different cooking time than frozen, so adjust accordingly until it reaches your desired tenderness.

→ What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don't have oyster sauce, you can increase the soy sauce to 3½ tablespoons total and the honey to 1½ tablespoons. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce helps replace some of the missing depth. Alternatively, use 3½ tablespoons soy sauce plus 1½ tablespoons hoisin sauce for a similar flavor profile.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This dish works well with a variety of vegetables. Try adding snow peas, shredded carrots, baby corn, or bell peppers. Keep in mind that firmer vegetables may need extra simmering time. You can add a bit more broth if needed during extended cooking.

→ What's the best substitute for fresh ginger?

The best alternatives to fresh ginger are jarred minced ginger or frozen minced ginger. In a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for the 1 tablespoon fresh, but be aware that the ginger flavor won't be as pronounced in the final dish.

→ Why is my dish too salty?

If your dish tastes too salty, you likely used regular (not low-sodium) beef broth or soy sauce. The recipe specifically calls for low-sodium versions of both ingredients to control the salt level. To fix an overly salty dish, you can add a bit more honey or serve with extra plain rice to balance the flavors.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, simply add more crushed red pepper flakes. You could also add a drizzle of sriracha or a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking. For a different spicy flavor, try adding a small amount of sambal oelek or chopped fresh chili peppers.