I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it’s such a perfect balance of hearty, healthy, and downright comforting. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like ground beef and fresh broccoli could come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights and something everyone in my family begs for again and again.
You’ll find that this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is ideal not only for quick dinners but also for meal prepping since it holds up beautifully when reheated. The sauce is slightly sweet, savory, and just the right amount of thick — making every bite mouthwatering. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or any grain, so it’s flexible and crowd-pleasing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want homemade flavors fast.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet-savory sauce complements the beef and broccoli perfectly without overpowering them.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a great way to sneak veggies into dinner.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easy swaps for ground turkey or frozen broccoli make this recipe adaptable to what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe come together beautifully to create a dish that’s full of texture and flavor. I recommend using fresh broccoli florets for the best crisp-tender bite, and don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients – they really bring everything to life.
- Peanut oil: I love this oil for stir-frying because of its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor, but vegetable or olive oil works fine too.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here—make sure they’re washed and dried well to get a nice sear without steaming.
- Ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef based on your preference; leaner will make a slightly healthier dish.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet depth when sautéed — diced small for even cooking.
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and crispness, sliced thin so it softens just a bit but keeps some crunch.
- Salt/White pepper: Season thoughtfully; white pepper adds a mild heat without black pepper’s pungency.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that silky, glossy finish.
- Beef broth: Provides savory depth; low sodium allows you to control salt levels.
- Soy sauce: The salty umami base for the sauce—opt for low sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- Brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
- Honey: I start with 1 tablespoon and add more if I want it sweeter—this touch keeps the sauce luscious.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best punch of flavor.
- Ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that ties the sauce together.
- Toasted sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds incredible aroma and richness.
- Cooked rice: Any kind works; I share my favorite method for fluffy rice below to pair perfectly with the stir fry.
Variations
I love to tweak this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood of the family. Feel free to personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs—this recipe is super flexible!
- Try ground turkey or chicken: When I swap in ground turkey, the skillet still comes together beautifully with a lighter protein.
- Use frozen broccoli: I sometimes use frozen broccoli florets when fresh aren’t available—just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.
- Add other veggies: Carrots, water chestnuts, kale, or celery add great texture and color—perfect if you want to amp up your vegetable intake.
- Top it off with crunch: Chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or crunchy chow mein noodles bring that little extra something special.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep your sauce and get ready
Start by mixing the cornstarch with cold water in a small covered container and give it a good shake to dissolve the lumps. Set this aside in a cool spot. Then, combine the rest of the sauce ingredients—beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil—in a bowl, stirring well. This prep step is crucial because it saves time once you start cooking and ensures your sauce blends smoothly without clumps.
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 evenly with the oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and just starting to soften but still has a bit of crunch. Removing the broccoli at this point and setting it aside is key — it helps avoid overcooking and keeps the texture fantastic.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef and onions
Turn your heat up to medium-high, add the ground beef and diced yellow onions to the same pan, and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Break up the meat as it cooks and sauté until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, with the onions soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner finish. Next, add sliced red bell pepper and cook just 1 more minute so the peppers remain crisp and fresh.
Step 4: Add the sauce and thicken it up
Stir in your prepared sauce mixture, bringing it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce reduce a bit. Then, give your cornstarch slurry a quick shake and pour it in slowly while stirring — this will thicken the sauce to a lovely glaze consistency. Keep the heat at a gentle bubble and watch it thicken; it only takes a minute or two.
Step 5: Return the broccoli and serve
Lower the heat to low and toss the broccoli back into the skillet, stirring gently to combine and warm it through without overcooking. After just a minute or two, your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is ready to go! Serve it immediately over fluffy cooked rice — if you want to elevate your rice, check out my method below for perfectly cooked, flavorful rice every time.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Dry Your Broccoli Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that wet broccoli steams instead of sears, making it mushy — pat it completely dry before cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: Getting a nice caramelized crust on the beef adds depth of flavor that’s worth the extra minute or two.
- Control Your Sauce Sweetness: Start with less honey; you can always add more at the end to balance salty and sweet just the way you like.
- Simmer Gently After Adding Cornstarch: High heat can break down the thickener and make the sauce thin again — keep it low and easy.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this stir fry with freshly sliced green onions—they add a lovely fresh bite and a pop of color. Sometimes, I sprinkle on a few toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a hint of crunch and nuttiness. If you’re feeling fancy, crunchy chow mein noodles or sliced almonds also make fantastic toppings that bring extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I’ve also served it with cauliflower rice for a lighter option or quinoa if you want an extra protein boost. Steamed dumplings or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad make nice complementary sides for a more complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, I like to serve it straight from the skillet at the center of the table alongside bowls of rice and toppings so everyone can build their own plates. For a special occasion or even meal prep, plate it neat over a bed of aromatic jasmine rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and add lemon or lime wedges on the side for a citrusy twist. I’ve even made it as a filling for lettuce wraps—super fun and fresh!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the leftovers cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe holds up really well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners. Just keep your rice and stir fry separate if you want the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stir fry successfully in portion-sized freezer-safe containers. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. When frozen, it keeps well for up to 2 months. I avoid freezing rice with it, though, since it tends to get mushy after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t burn and the broccoli stays crisp-tender. If things seem dry, splash in a bit of water or broth. Microwave works too, though I prefer skillet reheating for better texture. If you froze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of meat for this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great if you prefer leaner meats. Even diced chicken breasts can be used if you want a different texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
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Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli—just thaw it completely and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish soggy. Cooking times might be slightly shorter since frozen broccoli is already partially cooked during blanching.
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How do I get the sauce to thicken properly?
Make sure to mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the boiling sauce and stir continuously as you pour it in. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the slurry to avoid breaking down the thickener.
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What type of rice pairs best with this stir fry?
Long grain white rice or jasmine rice are my favorites because they stay fluffy and soak up the sauce nicely. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can also work for different textures and dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe really feels like a go-to comfort food that’s quick to whip up yet impressively delicious. I love how adaptable it is—whether you swap veggies, tweak the sauce sweetness, or change proteins, it still shines. I encourage you to give it a try soon; whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. Once you get the hang of it, I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
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
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty stir-fry that combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli florets, and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over fluffy rice and offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
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/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 cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a covered container and shake to combine. Place in a cool location. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients including beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil; set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Add ground beef and diced onion to the same pan over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble the meat until browned and 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 pan with beef and vegetables and bring to a boil. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly stir it into the boiling sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble gently until it thickens to your liking.
- Add the Broccoli Back: Reduce heat to low, return the cooked broccoli to the pan, and stir to combine. Heat through evenly. Optionally garnish with green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Additional ingredients like julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale can be added for more texture and flavor.
- Toppings such as green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds enhance the dish.
- To reduce sodium intake, opt for low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium beef broth.
- Perfectly cooked rice process: Boil 2 cups water (optional: add 2 chicken bouillon cubes), add 1 cup white long grain rice and return to boil, cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. This yields 3 cups of flavorful rice.
- Note that different rice types may require adjustments to water quantity and cooking time.
