I absolutely love how this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe comes together so quickly without sacrificing flavor. It’s that perfect weeknight meal when you want something wholesome and hearty but without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the balance of tender broccoli, savory beef, and a slightly sweet, garlicky sauce makes it incredibly satisfying every single time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to customize and how beautifully it pairs with simple steamed rice. You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or even for meal prep because it reheats so well. If you’re looking for a quick, dependable dish that feels a little special, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is definitely worth a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights without compromising taste.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet, salty, and umami-packed sauce makes every bite irresistible.
- Healthy and Filling: Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down.
- Very Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully—each one playing its part to balance richness, crunch, and that classic savory sauce punch. When you’re shopping, look for fresh broccoli florets and a good quality ground beef to really elevate the dish.
- Peanut oil: I love using peanut oil for its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor, but vegetable or olive oil work just fine too.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for that perfect crunch, but frozen can be a convenient substitute—just thaw and pat dry.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for good flavor and juiciness, but leaner options work if you prefer.
- Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth; it browns nicely with the beef.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Salt and white pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing the flavors without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly without making it gloopy—just mix with cold water first!
- Beef broth: The base of the sauce, providing a savory, comforting foundation.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness; low sodium versions help control saltiness if you prefer.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the soy and garlic.
- Honey: Enhances sweetness naturally; add gradually to taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of aroma and flavor.
- Ground ginger: A subtle warmth that rounds out the sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil: Added at the end for that fragrant, nutty aroma.
- Cooked rice: Any kind works, but I recommend fluffy long-grain white rice to soak up the sauce beautifully.
Variations
I love switching things up based on what I have on hand or what I’m craving. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to play around with add-ins and substitutions to make it your own.
- Protein swaps: I often use ground turkey or chicken when I want a lighter version, and it turns out just as tasty.
- Veggie additions: Sometimes I toss in julienned carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch and variety.
- Spice it up: A splash of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like heat.
- Low sodiuming: Using low sodium soy sauce and broth helps control salt without losing flavor.
- Gluten free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it GF-friendly.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry
Start by mixing your cornstarch with cold water in a small jar or bowl, then shake or stir well. This slurry is key for thickening the sauce without lumps. Next, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil in another bowl. I like to add just one tablespoon of honey now, then taste and add more at the end if it needs a little extra sweetness.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli Until Just Tender
Heat your peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir to coat them with the oil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still crisp—that’s the texture you want! Remove the broccoli and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef with Onions and Peppers
Season your ground beef with a pinch of salt and white pepper, then add it to the hot skillet. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with your spatula until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily. Then add your sliced red bell peppers and cook just about a minute to soften them slightly without losing their brightness.
Step 4: Combine with Sauce and Thicken
Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce a little. Then give your cornstarch slurry a quick shake and slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring continuously. Keep cooking and stirring gently until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency—it should coat the beef and veggies nicely without being gluey.
Step 5: Finish by Adding Broccoli Back In
Reduce the heat to low, then return the broccoli into the skillet. Stir everything together carefully to combine and heat through without overcooking your broccoli. This step ensures the broccoli stays crisp and vibrant while soaking up the flavors of the sauce. Taste and add another tablespoon of honey if you want a sweeter finish. Serve this over your favorite cooked rice, and you’re ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Pat Broccoli Dry: I always make sure my broccoli is completely dry before cooking to avoid sogginess from excess water.
- Don’t Skip Draining Grease: Removing excess fat after browning the beef helps keep the sauce from becoming greasy and heavy.
- Add Cornstarch Slowly: Adding the slurry gradually while stirring prevents lumps and gives you control over sauce thickness.
- Cook Rice with Broth: I use chicken bouillon cubes when cooking the rice to boost flavor—it’s a little secret that makes the side dish extra tasty.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I typically finish this dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions—they add a fresh bite and vibrant color that really bring the plate to life. Sometimes I toss on a few toasted sesame seeds or some roughly chopped peanuts for that extra nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and broccoli.
Side Dishes
Besides the fluffy rice I always serve it with, this stir fry pairs well with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, a light cucumber salad, or even a quick miso soup. These help round out the meal without overshadowing the rich flavors of the stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate this in a shallow bowl with the rice molded into a neat dome shape beside the stir fry. Garnishing with finely chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil adds flair. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter, letting everyone scoop their own, which always feels cozy and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they stay fresh for about 3 days. I’ve noticed the broccoli can soften a bit after refrigeration, so if you love it crispy, I recommend reheating gently just until warm.
Freezing
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe freezes well if you want to batch cook. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps flavor and texture nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the broccoli crisp and the beef juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps prevent the dish from becoming watery.
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What type of rice works best with this stir fry?
I prefer long-grain white rice because it stays fluffy and soaks up the sauce nicely, but jasmine or brown rice also works well. Adjust cooking times accordingly if using brown rice or other varieties.
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Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure your beef broth is gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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What are some good protein alternatives in this recipe?
If you want to mix it up, ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully in this recipe. You could also try diced chicken breast or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable, delicious, and adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy meal prep option, it ticks all the boxes. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a simple way to bring a flavorful, comforting meal to your table any day of the week.
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe featuring tender broccoli florets and flavorful ground beef in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfectly cooked rice complements this quick 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 Ingredients
- 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 cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake to combine. Place in a cool location. In a medium bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat the peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook, crumbling the meat, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add sliced red bell peppers and cook for an additional 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch mixture again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and stir well to combine and heat through. Adjust honey if more sweetness is desired. Garnish with green onions if preferred and serve over the cooked rice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef if preferred.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Additional vegetables like julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale can be added for extra texture.
- Toppings like green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds make great garnish options.
- To reduce sodium, use low sodium soy sauce and/or reduced sodium beef broth.
- Perfect rice cooking process: Bring 2 cups water to a boil with 2 chicken bouillon cubes for flavor, add 1 cup white long grain rice, bring back to boil, cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
- Rice amounts and cooking times may vary with different rice varieties.
