Description
A nutritious and flavorful Quinoa Beef and Broccoli stir-fry that combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa in a quick 25-minute skillet meal, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 spring onions, chopped
Additional Flavorings
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (to serve)
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Add 1 cup uncooked quinoa and 2 cups water to a pot over medium-high heat. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed, without stirring. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb ground beef, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Break apart the meat with a spatula and cook until no longer pink. Use a paper towel folded over a spatula to absorb excess grease from the beef, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1 cup chopped carrots to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then add 1/4 cup water and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender when poked with a fork. Add more water if needed to soften the vegetables.
- Add Greens: Stir in 1 cup baby spinach and 2 chopped spring onions. Cook for 1 minute until the spinach begins to wilt.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked ground beef and add 1 cup cooked quinoa, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 1 minute until heated through. Serve with additional soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to stir quinoa while it cooks to avoid mushiness.
- Using a paper towel to soak up excess beef grease helps reduce fat content.
- Add water gradually when cooking vegetables to steam them without overcooking.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- This recipe is easily customizable with additional vegetables of your choice.
