Healthy 30-Minute Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Quick Dinner for Two

Dinner

Jan 19

Hello There!

Happy winter season! As I sit in my living room writing this blog post, the fireplace crackles warmly, soft jazz music plays in the background, and snow falls gently outside my window. The Christmas tree is still glowing (yes, it’s still up!), filling the room with a cozy charm that makes me love this season even more. ❄️❄️❄️

With winter's comforts all around, it’s the perfect time to talk about delicious simplicity in the kitchen. If you’re anything like me, the New Year brings fresh motivation to focus on healthy, budget-friendly meals. But let’s be honest—dining out, even for simple dishes, can get expensive fast! That’s why I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: a quick, healthy, and incredibly cost-effective Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry for 2, served with quinoa for a protein-packed, satisfying meal.

But first, let’s talk clean counters!

A Cleaner Start with Melaleuca

Before I even start chopping vegetables, I like to give my workspace a fresh, clean slate. Lately, I’ve been using a brand-new cleaner from Melaleuca, and let me tell you—I’m hooked! The light citrus scent makes my kitchen feel refreshed, and I love knowing it’s a safer, eco-friendly choice. It’s amazing for cutting through grease, and it keeps my counters sparkling. If you’re curious about Melaleuca, I’ll be sharing more in future posts, but for now—back to the stir-fry! If you would like more information, just email me at cookitfor2@outlook.com.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

Speedy Cooking: It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
Budget-Friendly: You’ll spend less than you would on takeout.
Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken or tofu, or mix up the veggies.

And let’s not forget how satisfying it is to create something so fresh and delicious with your own hands.

Recipe Breakdown

Ingredients

1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced ($8.50)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets ($2)
2 tablespoons olive oil ($.25)
3 tablespoons coconut aminos ($.35)
2 cloves garlic, minced (.$10)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening) ($.10)
Cooked quinoa for serving ($.80)

Total Cost: $12.05

This total provides a satisfying, healthy, and budget-friendly meal for two, significantly less than dining out for a similar dish!

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve immediately over quinoa, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

The Power of Small Changes

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Little swaps like using quinoa instead of white rice, choosing lean cuts of beef, and making your own stir-fry sauce can make a big difference. Plus, cooking at home means you control the salt, sugar, and fat levels—no hidden ingredients!

So, whether you’re making this dish for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, I hope it brings warmth, flavor, and joy to your table. Don’t forget to check out my video for step-by-step guidance and a peek at my Melaleuca cleaner in action. Until next time, happy cooking!

Lord Bless You, Michelle