If you’re on the hunt for a quick, satisfying dinner that packs big flavor without a ton of fuss, you’ll love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how it delivers that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet with just a hint of garlic and ginger warmth. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I need something wholesome on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition.
What makes this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe stand out to me is how versatile it is—you can easily swap out rice for cauliflower rice or even enjoy it on its own for a lighter bite. Plus, it’s a great weeknight meal for busy folks because the ingredients come together quickly, and cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you’ve tried this stir fry, it might become your new go-to dinner staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and honey gives it a deliciously balanced sauce.
- Healthy & Balanced: Lean beef and crisp broccoli deliver protein and fiber without feeling heavy.
- Flexible: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or swap out rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The star players in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe come together to build a flavorful sauce that coats tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli perfectly. Keep an eye out for fresh ginger and good-quality soy sauce or tamari for the best results.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Helps control saltiness and gives a rich umami base; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance savory flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs an aromatic punch you can’t beat.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a lively warmth and bite.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth and aroma; a little goes a long way here.
- Ground beef (93% lean): Lean enough to keep things healthy but still juicy and tender.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed.
- Broccoli florets: Blanched first for the perfect bright color and crispness.
- Toasted sesame seeds: A finishing touch for a lovely nutty crunch.
- Scallions: Sliced on the bias for freshness and a hint of sharpness.
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional): Great for serving if you want a more substantial meal.
Variations
I love making this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe my own by tweaking ingredients or adding in extras depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s a fantastic base to personalize—and I bet you’ll find your favorite twist, too.
- Add fresh chili flakes: I’ve added a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, which my family absolutely adores.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter protein, turkey makes a great substitution while keeping that juicy stir fry feel.
- Mix in other veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots bring extra color and crunch.
- Use coconut aminos: For a soy-free version, coconut aminos provide a slightly sweet, rich flavor.
- Go gluten-free: Ensure tamari and any other sauces are certified gluten-free and voilà!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk it until smooth and set it aside—this sauce is going to be your stir fry’s magic. I always make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved so the sauce thickens just right later on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Heat sesame oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally. You want to cook until the beef is just about cooked through and the onions soften, usually around 5 minutes. A tip I learned is not to crowd the pan so the beef browns nicely instead of steaming.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Broccoli
Pour your whisked sauce over the beef mixture and stir everything together. Cook for about one minute—you’ll notice the sauce start to thicken. Now add your blanched broccoli florets and cook for just another minute. The broccoli stays bright and crisp-tender with this quick finishing touch, which makes all the difference.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Divide the stir fry evenly among plates or shallow bowls. If you’re serving it with rice or cauliflower rice, layer that on the bottom first. Then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the top. I’ve found these little garnishes add freshness and texture that really bring the dish to life.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Blanch Your Broccoli: I discovered this trick to keep the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender rather than soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the beef in batches if needed leads to better browning and flavor.
- Mix Sauce Well: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
- Add Sauce at Right Time: Pour in the sauce after the beef is mostly cooked for that glossy coat without drying the meat.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this stir fry with a scatter of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions because they add that extra crunch and fresh bite that makes each mouthful exciting. Sometimes, I like to add a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a few chili flakes if I want a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which soak up the sauce so nicely. If you want something lighter, cauliflower rice is my favorite low-carb alternative. For a green veggie boost, I sometimes add a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when I want to impress guests, I serve this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in shallow bowls layered over rice noodles or spiralized zucchini. Garnishing with a few fresh cilantro leaves or even crushed peanuts gives it a fun twist. Presentation really amps up when you use colorful bowls and sprinkle extra sesame seeds liberally.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce clings well to the beef and broccoli even after chilling, so the flavors stay great. Just make sure to cool it quickly before refrigerating for best texture and safety.
Freezing
Freezing this stir fry works surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps for about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the broccoli might be a little softer after freezing, but the flavor still shines through.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer a quick sauté in a skillet over medium heat to refresh the texture of the beef and broccoli. You can also microwave it covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, but avoid overcooking as it can get mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps keep things moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine, but be sure to thaw and drain off any excess water before adding to the stir fry to prevent it from becoming watery. For best texture, blanch fresh broccoli if you have the time.
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What can I use instead of cornstarch in this recipe?
You can substitute arrowroot powder or potato starch in equal amounts if you prefer. These alternatives will also thicken the sauce nicely without changing the flavor.
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How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure any other sauces or ingredients you add are labeled gluten-free as well.
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Can I add other vegetables to this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots all work great. Just add them based on their cooking times—harder veggies earlier, leafy greens last.
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What’s the best way to blanch broccoli?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, drop in the broccoli florets, and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and fresh every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your whole family, it comes together fast and tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Give it a try next week, and I’d bet my favorite skillet you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry featuring a savory soy-ginger sauce, tender blanched broccoli, and lean ground beef. This easy stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce, or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef, 93% lean
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets and blanched
To Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias
Optional
- Cooked rice, or cauliflower rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to use later.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Heat the sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is just about cooked through and the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the reserved soy-ginger sauce over the beef and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef.
- Incorporate Broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli florets to the skillet, mixing gently with the beef and sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat the broccoli through without losing its crispness.
- Serve: Divide the stir fry evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls. If using, place a layer of cooked rice or cauliflower rice at the base before adding the beef and broccoli mixture on top.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions over each serving for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately drain the broccoli in a colander and transfer it to an ice bath (a large bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the broccoli again before using in the stir fry to maintain bright color and texture.
