Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

The sizzling aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filling the kitchen makes this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry irresistible. This dish is the perfect combination of comfort food and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors. With juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce, every bite hits just the right balance between hearty and healthy.

This one-pan recipe is a weeknight favorite that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a sit-down dinner. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable, sub in cauliflower, toss in bell peppers, or make it spicy with chili garlic sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Cooked jasmine or white rice, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame oil.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.

5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and mix to coat the beef evenly.

6. Add the broccoli florets and stir to combine. Cover and let steam for 3–5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.

7. Uncover and cook for another 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.

8. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is one of those rare dishes that strikes a perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Rich, savory, and bursting with the rustic flavors of Italy, this dish brings together seared chicken breasts, garlic-infused cream sauce, wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a harmonious blend of textures and taste. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but luxurious enough for entertaining, earning its place as a modern comfort food favorite.

Tuscan-inspired recipes have grown in popularity due to their use of fresh, simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavor profiles. Unlike traditional Italian-American fare that leans heavily on tomato sauces and pastas, Tuscan cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh produce, aromatic herbs, hearty meats, and robust cheeses. This chicken recipe encapsulates that essence beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Creamy Tuscan Chicken is how versatile it is. It can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or even crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Whether you’re hosting guests or cooking for your family, it satisfies all types of appetites.

Another reason home cooks gravitate to this recipe is its simplicity. With just one skillet and about 30 minutes of your time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. It’s also incredibly customizable based on your dietary needs and pantry staples. Prefer dairy-free? Use coconut milk or almond cream. Need it keto-friendly? Serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. Want more veggies? Mushrooms, artichokes, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

The Flavor Profile

Creamy Tuscan Chicken offers layers of flavor. It starts with chicken breasts that are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, locking in moisture and adding that essential savory base. The garlic and sun-dried tomatoes contribute depth and richness, while the cream and Parmesan melt into a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. The spinach adds a touch of earthiness and freshness, balancing the heaviness of the cream. Italian seasoning and a hint of crushed red pepper give the dish warmth and subtle complexity.

It’s the contrast between richness and freshness that makes this dish so satisfying. The sun-dried tomatoes bring in a bit of tang and chew, which plays nicely against the smooth sauce. The Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds that signature nutty, salty note that makes it truly irresistible.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

To make this meal complete, pair your Creamy Tuscan Chicken with a complementary side dish. Here are some classic and creative options:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are perfect for soaking up that luscious cream sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a decadent pairing.

• Rice or Risotto: White rice, brown rice, or Parmesan risotto keep things hearty.

• Polenta: A soft polenta base adds extra Italian flair.

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or sautéed zucchini bring a fresh contrast.

• Bread: A slice of crusty sourdough or artisan bread helps you savor every last drop of sauce.

For drinks, consider a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to cut through the richness of the sauce. Sparkling water with lemon or an herbal iced tea also pairs nicely.

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

This dish doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, but the quality of each one makes a big difference.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are ideal, but thighs work well too for a juicier option.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety for extra flavor. Pat them dry before chopping.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and lacks depth.

• Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream creates the creamiest sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch.

• Spinach: Baby spinach is tender and cooks down quickly, but kale or arugula can be used for variation.

For extra richness, a tablespoon of butter can be added at the end. Want more protein? Toss in cooked bacon bits, pancetta, or even shrimp. To boost fiber and antioxidants, add mushrooms or artichoke hearts.

Nutritional Highlights

While Creamy Tuscan Chicken is rich, it’s also nutrient-dense:

• Protein: Chicken breast provides lean protein to support muscle health.

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and Parmesan cheese contribute heart-healthy fats.

• Vitamins: Spinach is loaded with Vitamin A, C, and iron, while sun-dried tomatoes bring in lycopene, an antioxidant.

• Calcium: Parmesan and cream both deliver calcium, vital for bone health.

To reduce calories or saturated fat, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also load up the veggies and serve it with cauliflower rice to keep the meal light but satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as the cream may separate if overheated.

Variations to Try

Here are some fun and delicious ways to switch up the base recipe:

• Tuscan Shrimp: Swap the chicken for large shrimp, just sauté them quickly and remove before adding the sauce.

• Vegan Tuscan Pasta: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken, and swap cream with coconut milk and vegan cheese.

• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add red chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake: Mix the cooked chicken and sauce with cooked pasta, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

• One-Pan Tuscan Gnocchi: Replace pasta or rice with potato gnocchi cooked right in the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. With its bold, satisfying flavors and silky texture, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting, delicious dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s rich without being overpowering, easy without being boring, and customizable to nearly any palate or dietary preference.

What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together while tasting like something you’d order in a fine Italian restaurant. And thanks to its adaptable nature, you’ll never tire of it, just switch up the sides, try different proteins, or spice it up to keep things interesting.

If you haven’t already, give Creamy Tuscan Chicken a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s the perfect way to bring a little Tuscan sunshine to your table, no plane ticket required.