If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed meal that’ll keep you on track with your healthy eating goals, this Sweet Chili Beef & Broccoli Cashew Stir-Fry is IT! It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness—plus, it’s a breeze to make!
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Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 2311mg | Potassium: 1137mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 2436IU | Vitamin C: 162mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 6mg
Why This Meal Prep Recipe is a Game-Changer
- Super Easy & Beginner-Friendly – No fancy techniques here! Just simple, straightforward cooking with big flavors.
- Meal-Prep Perfection – This stir-fry stays fresh for days, making it an excellent grab-and-go meal.
- Packed with Nutrients – You’re getting protein from the beef, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats from the cashews.
- Customizable for Any Diet – Pair it with rice, noodles, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps!
- Global Flavors Made Simple – That Thai sweet chili sauce gives you an irresistible sweet-heat kick with minimal effort.
- Quick to Make – Just 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy schedules.
- Budget-Friendly – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and way cheaper than takeout!
Tasty Ingredients for Stir Fry
- Lean ground beef works best for a balanced meal.
- Red Onion, diced – Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Minced Garlic – Freshly minced for the best taste, or use pre-minced for convenience.
- Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami-rich base for the sauce.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce – Adds the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
- Broccoli Florets – Keep them bite-sized for even cooking.
- Red Bell Pepper, sliced – Adds color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Seeds – A small but mighty garnish for nutty flavor.
- Cashew Nuts – Adds crunch and healthy fats.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens the dish with a zesty finish.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry
- Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and water. Stir well until combined, then set aside. This sauce will coat the beef and veggies, giving them an irresistible sweet and savory flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning. Cook for 4-6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked through. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it before moving to the next step.
- Add the Vegetables & Sauce: Toss in the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Give everything a good stir so the veggies start cooking evenly. Then, drizzle the sweet chili soy sauce mixture over the beef and veggies. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. The bell peppers should soften slightly while keeping a little crunch.
- Add Final Touches & Serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and cashew nuts over the stir-fry, adding a delicious crunch to the dish. Finally, drizzle fresh lime juice over the top to enhance the flavors.
Meal Prep Tips for Beef Stir Fry
- Extra Add-Ins for More Flavor & Texture: Fried Egg – Add a sunny-side-up egg for an extra protein boost! Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado balances out the heat. Chopped Green Onions – A fresh garnish to bring everything together.
- Protein Swaps: Ground Turkey or Chicken – A leaner option with a slightly milder flavor. Tofu or Tempeh – For a plant-based alternative, crumble tofu or slice tempeh. Shrimp – Adds a seafood twist and pairs well with the sweet chili sauce.
- Vegetable Swaps: Snap Peas – Adds extra crunch and natural sweetness. Carrots – Thinly sliced or shredded for added color and texture. Zucchini or Mushrooms – Great for bulking up the dish while keeping it low-calorie.
- Sauce Swaps: Coconut Aminos – A lower-sodium, soy-free alternative to soy sauce. Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes – If you want to add extra heat! Honey + Sriracha – Mix these together for a homemade sweet chili-style sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pan should I use?
A wok or large skillet works best for stir-fries because they distribute heat evenly and allow for quick cooking. If using a non-stick pan, you may need a little extra oil to prevent sticking.
What’s the best way to meal prep this for work lunches?
Store in airtight containers with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this without nuts?
Yes! If you have a nut allergy or prefer to skip the cashews, try: Toasted sunflower seeds – Crunchy and nut-free. Adds a subtle nutty flavor. Water chestnuts – For a satisfying crunch.
Sweet Chili Beef and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition