Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A satisfying, iron-rich stir-fry featuring lean ground beef and crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-herb sauce, designed to support sustained energy and muscle recovery without dairy or sugar. This asian-inspired beef (whole30) ready in about 27 minutes pairs (450g) lean ground beef, (chopped florets) broccoli, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon; cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains, then drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups chopped broccoli florets to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and toss to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, minced garlic, and 1 tsp chopped thyme. Stir-fry for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant, then return beef and broccoli to the skillet. Toss for 2 minutes until flavors are fully integrated and heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (450g) lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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