If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and quick to make, you’ll love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients, yet delivers so much flavor and satisfying texture. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up any night of the week when you want something hearty without the fuss.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how well the sauce balanced sweet, savory, and umami, making every bite special. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a tasty stir fry, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe works perfectly—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Balanced: The sweet-savory sauce and tender broccoli make every bite satisfying.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add veggies to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this dish, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe plays a vital role—from the crunchy broccoli to the rich ground beef and that luscious sauce that pulls it all together. I always recommend buying fresh broccoli and good-quality ground beef for best results, but the recipe is forgiving and easy to adjust if you need to swap things out.
- Peanut oil: I love peanut oil for its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor, but vegetable or olive oil works too.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli really shines here, washed and dried to avoid watery stir fry.
- Ground beef: You want something around 80/20 for good flavor and moisture balance.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; diced small to cook evenly.
- Red bell pepper: Provides color and a mild crunch; slice it thinly so it cooks just right.
- Salt/White pepper: For seasoning the beef and balancing flavors without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: Crucial for thickening the sauce; mix with cold water to avoid lumps.
- Beef broth: Adds richness to the sauce; low sodium is best to control salt levels.
- Soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch; again, low sodium variants keep it healthy.
- Brown sugar: Sweetness that balances salty and savory notes beautifully.
- Honey: I start with 1 tablespoon and add more if I want extra sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that signature aromatic depth.
- Ground ginger: Warm and slightly spicy, it brightens the dish.
- Toasted sesame oil: Added at the end for a toasty, nutty finish that makes this stir fry sing.
- Cooked rice: I prefer fluffy white long grain rice, but brown rice or jasmine work nicely too.
Variations
I like to keep this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe flexible, so you can easily make it your own. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or add veggies according to what you have or your diet preferences—you’ll be surprised how many delicious versions you can create from this base.
- Protein swap: I’ve made this with ground turkey and ground chicken when I wanted a lighter dish—it’s just as tasty! For a non-ground option, shredded rotisserie chicken works too.
- Veggie additions: Sometimes I throw in julienned carrots, sliced water chestnuts, or kale for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Low sodium: To keep salt in check, I use low sodium soy sauce and broth, which still delivers great flavor without overpowering.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha always elevates the dish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sauce Mix
Start by mixing your cornstarch and cold water in a small covered container—give it a good shake so it’s well combined. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the rest of the sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Having this ready means once your beef and broccoli are cooked, the sauce comes together fast and smoothly.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat your peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat, then toss in the broccoli florets. Give them a good stir to coat with oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a nice crunch. If you skip drying the broccoli well after washing, you might end up with a watery stir fry, so I always pat mine dry first. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Season your ground beef with salt and white pepper if you like, then add it to the pan over medium-high heat along with the diced yellow onion. Break the beef apart as it cooks, and let it brown fully with the onions—this usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Once fully browned, drain excess grease to keep the dish from getting greasy. Then, toss in the sliced red bell peppers and cook for another minute to soften slightly.
Step 4: Bring on the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and peppers and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors and slightly reduce. Give your cornstarch mixture a good shake before drizzling it slowly into the sauce while stirring constantly. Keep the sauce bubbling gently until it thickens to your liking—this usually only takes a couple of minutes. This step is what gives the stir fry that beautiful glossy coating that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Add Back the Broccoli and Finish
Reduce heat to low, add the broccoli back into the pan, and stir everything together so the florets heat through and soak up some sauce. This keeps the broccoli crisp yet warmed and flavorful. If you find the sauce needs a touch more sweetness, gently stir in a little extra honey now. Taste and adjust salt or pepper to your liking. Then, serve this lovely stir fry over freshly cooked rice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Dry Your Broccoli Well: I learned this the hard way—the drier your broccoli, the better it sautés without steaming and turning mushy.
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: Removing excess fat after browning keeps the sauce from becoming oily and lets the flavors shine.
- Add Cornstarch Slowly: Slowly stirring in the cornstarch slurry avoids lumps and helps you control the sauce thickness.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go—add soy sauce or honey in small increments to balance salty and sweet perfectly for your palate.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding sliced green onions on top of this stir fry for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for crunch and a nutty contrast. If you want an extra vibrant finish, a few drizzle drops of toasted sesame oil just before serving make a world of difference.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the savory sauce. If you want to add more veggies, a simple cucumber salad or lightly pickled carrots bring brightness and balance. Occasionally, I serve it alongside some steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a more substantial meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when hosting friends, I like to serve this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in individual mini bowls with a sprinkle of crunchy chow mein noodles on top—that always gets compliments! You can also plate it in a large pretty serving dish with some fresh cilantro or mint sprigs for a restaurant-style vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When sealed well, the broccoli retains a decent crunch and the sauce stays flavorful, so you don’t lose that fresh stir fry vibe.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! I portion it into meal prep containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you defrost, you might notice the broccoli softens a bit, but the flavors hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for best texture, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Microwave works in a pinch, but I find heating gently on the stove brings back the best flavor and sauce consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the broccoli dry very well to avoid excess moisture making the stir fry watery. The texture will be slightly softer than fresh but still delicious.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch in the same amount as cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just mix it with cold water before adding to the hot pan to avoid lumps.
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How do I make the rice more flavorful to serve alongside this stir fry?
I often add chicken bouillon cubes or broth instead of water when cooking rice, which infuses flavor deeply. Letting it rest covered after cooking helps the rice grains firm up and become fluffy—imperative for soaking up that tasty sauce.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your broth is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners because it’s reliable, flavorful, and genuinely loved by everyone at my table. I hope it brings you the same ease and satisfaction I’ve found. When you make it, feel free to customize it your way—and remember, this dish is all about enjoying good food without the stress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll find a happy spot in your weeknight meals, just like it did for me!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Description
A delicious and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir fry featuring tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful homemade soy-ginger sauce. Perfectly paired with fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice, any kind
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake well to combine. Place this mixture in a cool location. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon honey. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the broccoli florets and toss them in the oil to coat evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper to taste. Add the beef and diced onions to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and bell peppers. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch slurry and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together carefully and heat through. Garnish with green onions if desired, and serve the stir fry hot over the cooked rice.
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for a lighter protein.
- Frozen broccoli may be used; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Try adding julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale for extra texture and flavor.
- Top with green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds for added crunch.
- To reduce sodium, use low sodium soy sauce and/or reduced sodium beef broth.
- For perfectly cooked rice, bring 2 cups water (optionally with 2 chicken bouillon cubes) to a boil, add 1 cup long-grain white rice, re-boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
