I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in no time at all. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the savory, slightly sweet sauce clung to the tender ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
You’ll find that this stir fry works brilliantly as a quick lunch or a family dinner that even picky eaters adore. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can swap out ingredients or add your own twist without losing the magic. Whether you serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or eat it straight from the pan, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-Packed: The sauce balances savory, sweet, and umami notes beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love it—I’ve never met a picky eater who said no!
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily modify to suit gluten-free, low-carb, or extra veggie preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, but each plays an important role — from adding depth in the sauce to making sure the broccoli stays tender yet crisp. Shopping tip? Look for fresh ginger and use reduced sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Gives that classic stir-fry flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, it builds that aromatic base you’ll love smelling as it cooks.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a hint of zing and warmth; essential for authentic flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce just right so it clings to the beef and broccoli.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth that’s signature in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Ground beef (93% lean): Lean enough to keep it healthy but juicy for flavor.
- Yellow onion: Chopped and cooked with the beef for sweet complexity.
- Broccoli florets: Blanched just before cooking so they stay bright and tender-crisp.
- Toasted sesame seeds: A crunchy garnish that also adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Scallions: Thinly sliced on the bias to sprinkle on top, bringing freshness and color.
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice: Optional, but makes the dish a hearty, satisfying meal.
Variations
I love how this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe serves as a blank canvas — you can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to make it your own. Whether I’m in the mood for something a little different or catering to dietary needs, it adapts beautifully.
- Make it spicy: I like adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
- Swap proteins: Try ground turkey or chicken if you prefer something lighter, or go vegetarian with crumbled tofu.
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots work great for extra color and crunch.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it safe without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together your sauce
In a small bowl, I like to whisk the reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. This combo is the magic behind the balanced flavor and glossy texture. Setting this aside lets the cornstarch dissolve fully, so there are no lumps in your stir fry.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef with onions
Heat the sesame oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion, cooking while stirring occasionally. You’ll want to break the beef up so it cooks evenly and the onion softens. This usually takes about 5 minutes, and you’ll notice the beef changing from pink to a nice golden brown as it releases flavorful fat.
Step 3: Add the sauce and broccoli
Once the beef is almost cooked through, pour in your sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for about a minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the meat. Then, toss in your blanched broccoli florets — cooking for just another minute to keep them bright green and with a little crisp.
Step 4: Serve and garnish
Divide the stir fry into bowls, layering cooked rice or cauliflower rice underneath if you’re using it. I always sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top — it adds such a fresh, nutty crunch that finishes the dish beautifully. Don’t skip these garnishes; they make all the difference!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Blanch the broccoli: I learned this trick to keep broccoli bright, tender, and reduce cooking time in the skillet.
- Use lean ground beef: It yields the best flavor without greasy spots, and holds sauce well.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving the beef room ensures it browns nicely rather than steams.
- Prepare garnishes ahead: Toast the sesame seeds and slice scallions while the beef cooks—it saves time and keeps things flowing smoothly.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this stir fry with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, nutty burst of flavor and a beautiful visual pop. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat — it’s those little touches that make it extra special.
Side Dishes
My go-to side is steamed jasmine rice or fragrant cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For an extra veggie boost, sometimes I serve this alongside simple garlic sauteed green beans or roasted carrots — colorful and easy complements that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like serving the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in individual small bowls set atop a bed of rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, alongside chopsticks for an authentic touch. Another fun idea is to serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held wrap style — and my guests always enjoy the interactive element!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh for up to 3 days. Reheating is quick and convenient, making it a perfect lunch option for busy mornings.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just make sure to add fresh garnishes when serving, because those don’t freeze as well.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the broccoli’s texture, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it covered for about 1-2 minutes — just keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?
Yes, you can, but I recommend thawing and draining frozen broccoli well to avoid excess water making the stir fry soggy. If you blanch fresh broccoli, it turns out crispier, but frozen works in a pinch.
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What’s the best ground beef to use for this recipe?
I use 93% lean ground beef because it has enough fat for flavor without being greasy. Too lean meat might dry out, and fattier beef can make the dish oily.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, and double-check any added sauces or ingredients. The flavor stays just as delicious.
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Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce ahead saves time on busy days. Just give it a good whisk before adding to the pan to re-mix the cornstarch.
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How do I prevent the ground beef from sticking?
Using enough sesame oil and heating the pan properly helps prevent sticking. Stir occasionally but don’t over-stir to allow nice browning.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become my go-to for quick dinners that satisfy everyone at the table. I love how it strikes that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try—you might just find this is the dish you reach for when you want something delicious without fuss.
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
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining lean ground beef with blanched broccoli florets in a savory honey-soy garlic sauce. It’s a simple one-pan dish that’s perfect over rice or cauliflower rice for a wholesome dinner ready in just 13 minutes.
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
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias
- Cooked rice, or cauliflower rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat the sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, and cook until the meat is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sauce and broccoli: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion, stirring well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Then, add the blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional minute to heat through and combine flavors.
- Plate and garnish: Divide the stir fry evenly among four plates or shallow bowls. If desired, layer cooked rice or cauliflower rice on the bottom before adding the stir fry mixture. Finally, sprinkle each serving with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Blanch broccoli by briefly boiling it for 1-2 minutes then immediately plunging into ice water to preserve color and texture.
- Using reduced sodium soy sauce helps control sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, paleo option.
- Ground beef can be substituted with lean ground turkey or chicken.
