I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it’s one of those meals that hits the sweet spot between quick, nutritious, and downright delicious. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create such a comforting and flavorful dinner that the whole family raves about. You’ll find that it’s super flexible too, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss.

What makes this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe stand out for me is how the savory beef pairs perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce that lingers just the right amount. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that you can whip up in about 30 minutes, and the leftovers reheat beautifully. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe lineup just like it is in mine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
  • Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines savory, sweet, and a hint of gingery warmth that’ll keep you coming back.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without complaint.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with what’s in your fridge or swap proteins to suit your tastes or diet.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy broccoli dinner, easy weeknight stir-fry, family-friendly beef and broccoli The dish is served in a large white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer is light brown cooked rice spread evenly around the bowl. On top of the rice, there are pieces of cooked ground beef that appear dark brown and juicy, mixed with bright green broccoli florets and vibrant red bell pepper slices. There are small bits of green onions scattered throughout the dish, adding fresh green specks. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the beef, adding texture and contrast. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with a mix of soft, tender, and crisp textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients balance simple freshness with pantry staples so you can gather everything easily. I always suggest using fresh broccoli and a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor in your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe.

  • Peanut oil: I love this because it has a high smoke point and a subtle nutty flavor, but you can substitute vegetable or olive oil if you prefer.
  • Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli gives a great crunch; if using frozen, just be sure to thaw and pat dry well to avoid soggy stir fry.
  • Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy but still flavorful.
  • Yellow onion: Diced onion adds that wonderful sweetness and depth when caramelized in the pan.
  • Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness that brightens the dish.
  • Salt and white pepper: To season and balance flavors without overpowering the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: This will help thicken your sauce for the perfect glossy finish.
  • Beef broth: Adds savory richness; homemade or store-bought both work well.
  • Soy sauce: Choose a quality soy sauce—low sodium works great to control salt.
  • Brown sugar: Packs sweetness to balance the savory sauce elements.
  • Honey: I usually start with 1 tablespoon and add more if I want extra sweetness towards the end.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced garlic is where a lot of the fragrance comes from—don’t skip it!
  • Ground ginger: Adds that subtle spicy warmth integral to Asian-style stir fry sauce.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Just a teaspoon at the end really brings a depth of toasty richness.
  • Cooked rice: Any kind works here, but I love fluffy white long grain rice as the base.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. I often switch things up depending on the season or who I’m cooking for.

  • Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner protein, I’ve swapped in ground turkey before and it still tastes amazing with the same sauce.
  • Frozen Broccoli Option: When life gets busy, frozen broccoli works just fine—as long as you thaw it thoroughly and remove excess moisture so the stir fry doesn’t get watery.
  • Add Extra Veggies: I love tossing in julienned carrots, water chestnuts for crunch, or even kale for extra nutrients and color.
  • Spice It Up: For a little kick, I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce Mixes Early

Start by combining the cornstarch with cold water in a small covered container and give it a good shake to dissolve—this will thicken your sauce later. Then mix the rest of the sauce ingredients in a bowl; I usually start with one tablespoon of honey and add more at the end if needed. Having these ready makes the cooking flow so much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli Until Just Tender

Heat your peanut oil over medium heat, and toss in the broccoli florets, coating them well. I like to cook mine for about 4-5 minutes so they’re slightly softened but still retain a little crunch—not mushy. Then remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside while you cook the meat. If you cook it too long here, it tends to get soggy later.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Season the ground beef lightly with salt and white pepper to start. Over medium-high heat, crumble the beef into the pan with diced onion and cook until nicely browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner taste, then add sliced red bell peppers and cook for about one minute to soften slightly.

Step 4: Bring on the Sauce

Add your premixed sauce to the pan and bring it up to a boil. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, then shake your cornstarch mixture again and gradually stir it in while the sauce bubbles. This makes it thicken up beautifully—keep an eye on it because thickening can happen quickly.

Step 5: Finish with Broccoli and Serve

Reduce the heat to low and add the broccoli back into the pan, stirring just enough to warm it through and coat with the sauce. From here, you can garnish with sliced green onions or even some toasted sesame seeds if you like. Serve your stir fry hot over a bed of perfectly cooked rice, and you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Use High Heat for Browning: I learned that cooking the beef on medium-high heat prevents steaming and helps develop fantastic caramelized flavor.
  • Dry Your Broccoli Well: Any water on the broccoli will cause the oil to pop and the stir fry to steam, so pat it dry thoroughly before cooking.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Adding it back at the end keeps it bright green and crisp-tender rather than mushy.
  • Add Sauce Gradually: Slowly stirring in the cornstarch slurry avoids clumps and gets your sauce that perfect silky texture.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy broccoli dinner, easy weeknight stir-fry, family-friendly beef and broccoli A close-up view of a pan filled with cooked ground beef that is brown and crumbly as the base layer, mixed with pieces of cooked white onion that are slightly translucent and scattered evenly throughout. On top, bright green broccoli florets with a fresh, crisp texture are mixed in, adding a contrasting color and a fresh look. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and a small part of a small bowl with green sliced ingredients is visible near the bottom left corner. The overall scene captures a warm and hearty cooked dish, with a mix of textures from soft beef, tender onions, and fresh broccoli

Garnishes

I usually garnish with sliced green onions because they add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for a bit of crunch and nuttiness—these little touches always elevate the dish and make it feel more special at the table.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic just over rice, but I love serving it alongside simple steamed jasmine or brown rice for extra fiber. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too. Occasionally, I’ll add a light cucumber salad or some quick pickled veggies to balance out the rich, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings, I’ve spooned the ground beef and broccoli stir fry into hollowed-out bell pepper halves or served it atop crispy lettuce wraps. It’s a simple way to dress it up without much extra effort and gets compliments every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they usually stay great for 3–4 days. The sauce soaks in even more overnight, making the flavors richer. Just make sure to cool it quickly after cooking to keep things fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a few times in portioned freezer-safe containers with good results. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. The texture stays surprisingly good, especially if you add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce.

Reheating

For the best taste when reheating, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without drying out. I sometimes add a touch of sesame oil or soy sauce to brighten the flavors back up. Microwave works too, but I find stovetop reheating keeps the veggies crisper.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other meats besides ground beef in this stir fry?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are both great options if you want a leaner dish. You can use the same cooking methods and sauce, just watch the cooking times since these proteins may cook faster than beef.

  2. What’s the best way to keep broccoli crisp in this stir fry?

    Cooking the broccoli separately first just until it’s slightly tender helps prevent it from getting mushy when combined with the beef and sauce later. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, and don’t overcook when you add it back in—just a quick warm-through is enough.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free. Cornstarch and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just swapping these two items will keep the recipe safe and delicious.

  4. How do I avoid a watery sauce when using frozen broccoli?

    Make sure to thaw frozen broccoli completely and pat it very dry with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture is the main culprit in watery stir fry sauces, so drying well is key for that nice thick, glossy finish.

  5. What rice pairs best with Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

    Long grain white rice is classic and fluffy, but jasmine rice adds a lovely aromatic touch. Brown rice or cauliflower rice works well too, especially if you prefer a heartier or low-carb base.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe really has a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it brings together easy prep, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients all in one dish. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s obvious how much care and satisfaction went into every bite, even though it’s quick to make. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy how one simple stir fry can brighten up your weeknight dinners and become a favorite everyone asks for again and again.

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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Chinese

Description

A savory and satisfying Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe featuring tender broccoli florets, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful homemade sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect served over fluffy rice for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. Prep Work: Combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake well to mix. Place in a cool area. In a medium bowl, mix together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss them in the oil to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Cook the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper to taste. In the same pan, increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef along with the diced onions. Cook, crumbling the beef as it browns, until fully cooked through. Drain excess grease from the pan. Add the sliced red bell peppers and cook together with the beef for about 1 minute to slightly soften the peppers.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour the previously prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to reduce slightly. Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue bubbling gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  5. Add the Broccoli Back: Lower the heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir gently to combine and heat everything through. Add additional honey if a sweeter taste is desired. Garnish with green onions if available and serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over the cooked rice.

Notes

  • Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as alternatives for the beef. Alternatively, try my Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with chicken breasts for a different protein option.
  • Frozen broccoli works well too; just thaw and pat dry before cooking as directed.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables such as julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale for more variety and nutrients.
  • Top with options like green onions, roughly chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
  • To control sodium intake, use low sodium soy sauce and/or a reduced sodium beef broth, as sodium levels can vary widely in different brands.
  • For perfectly cooked rice: Bring 2 cups water to a boil (optionally adding 2 chicken bouillon cubes for flavor), add 1 cup white long grain rice, return to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes before fluffing. This yields 3 cups cooked rice and works best with a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
  • Other rice varieties may require adjustments to water quantity and cooking time.

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