Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fast, flavor-packed dinner, the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This Asian-inspired classic brings together tender beef, bright green broccoli, and a savory, glossy sauce in one skillet. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for time and time again—perfect for busy weeknights, yet special enough to rival your favorite takeout. The best part? Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize to create bold, craveable flavors. Each element pulls its weight, offering up color, crunch, and the unmistakable umami character that makes stir fry so downright irresistible.
- Lean ground beef: Opt for lean to keep the stir fry lighter while still delivering plenty of rich, beefy flavor.
- Broccoli florets: These add color, nutrition, and crisp-tender texture—don’t skimp on them!
- Sesame oil: Just a splash brings that nutty, toasty aroma that makes stir fries sing.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with an unmistakable punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a zesty, warming note that brightens every bite.
- Soy sauce or tamari: The savory backbone—choose tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet-savory condiment gives the sauce a glossy finish and rich depth.
- Oyster sauce (optional): A splash brings a subtle brininess and umami kick—absolutely delicious, but not required.
- Brown sugar or honey: Just a touch helps balance out the savory and tangy flavors.
- Rice vinegar: This adds brightness and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
- Black pepper: A pinch for warmth and a little bite.
- Cornstarch slurry: Whisking cornstarch with water gives the sauce the perfect thick, silky consistency.
- Green onions (optional): Sliced thin, they add color and a gentle freshness at serving.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a lovely little crunch and sophisticated finish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it apart as it cooks. You’ll want it deeply browned and cooked through—no pink bits remaining! This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain away extra fat for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Turn down the heat just a smidge and add the sesame oil directly to the cooked beef. Immediately toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly—this step takes only about a minute, but it fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Toss the broccoli florets into the skillet and continue to stir frequently. The heat will help the broccoli turn a vibrant green and start to caramelize around the edges. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the broccoli is crisp-tender—still bright and with a little snap.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the broccoli cooks, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if you love it), brown sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl. This tangy-sweet mixture is what ties the dish together and gives the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe its iconic flavor. Pour it over the skillet contents and toss to coat.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish
Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir and drizzle it into the pan, stirring constantly. In just 2 to 3 minutes, the sauce will thicken to a beautiful glaze, enveloping every piece of beef and broccoli. Turn off the heat and, if you’d like, scatter on green onions and sesame seeds for that finishing touch.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds turns a hearty skillet meal into a restaurant-worthy presentation. The green onions pop with freshness while sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch—totally worth the extra 10 seconds.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is absolutely dreamy over a mound of fluffy white rice or tender noodles. For something lighter, swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice. Stir fried greens like bok choy or snap peas round out your plate for a restaurant-style spread at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held approach. Or serve it family-style alongside pickled vegetables for an extra punch. Leftovers even make a great filling for Asian-inspired wraps or burritos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely before transferring the stir fry to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—this makes it perfect for quick lunches or a next-day dinner plan. The flavors tend to develop even more overnight!
Freezing
If you’d like to stock your freezer, portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. The Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. For best texture, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in 30-second bursts until piping hot, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally for even heating, and garnish again with fresh green onions if you have them.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork make excellent swaps in this stir fry. Each brings its own twist, but the sauce base remains deliciously consistent.
Is the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
If you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce (and ensure other sauces like hoisin are labeled gluten-free), this recipe can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
What if I prefer softer broccoli?
No problem—blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes before adding it to the skillet. This pre-cooks the florets so they’ll be more tender but still vibrant in color.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Certainly! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and ginger, or drizzle with sriracha or chili oil at the end for some serious heat.
What are the best ways to use leftovers?
Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is fantastic tucked into wraps, on top of a rice bowl, or even mixed with scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast upgrade.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a lifesaver for anyone craving big flavor in a little time. It’s easy, versatile, and perfect for customizing to your tastes. Give it a try this week and watch it become a regular on your dinner table—you may never reach for takeout menus again!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender broccoli, savory ground beef, and a delicious sauce come together in a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Stir Fry: Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the beef. Sauté for 1 minute, then add broccoli and cook for a few minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce into the skillet.
- Thicken and Garnish: Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Blanch the broccoli for 1–2 minutes for softer vegetables.
- This recipe is also delicious with ground turkey or chicken.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
