If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on nutrition, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a total winner. I absolutely love how fast it comes together — less than 15 minutes from start to finish — and how well the savory-sweet sauce clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not heavy.
When I first tried this recipe, I appreciated how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand, and how the combination of ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli works so well. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; my family goes crazy for the balance of flavors and that satisfying little crunch from toasted sesame seeds. If you want an accessible, comforting meal that feels a bit special, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe should definitely be on your short list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Dinner Fix: Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Balanced Flavors: The honey-soy glaze hits the sweet and salty notes beautifully.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Lean ground beef and fresh broccoli make it nutritious yet filling.
- Family Favorite: I’ve seen even picky eaters come back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but powerful together. The garlic and ginger add fresh aromatic notes, while the soy sauce and honey bring a rich, well-rounded flavor that turns this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe into something special. Here are some tips on picking the best ones for your kitchen.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari: Reduced sodium helps keep saltiness balanced, and tamari is a great gluten-free swap.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that brightens the sauce and balances the savory elements.
- Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best, sharp flavor punch.
- Fresh ginger: Peel and grate to ensure that fresh zing, which really wakes up the dish.
- Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for that glossy, clingy sauce texture.
- Sesame oil: A small amount adds nutty warmth that makes this stir fry sing.
- Ground beef (93% lean): Lean enough to avoid excess grease but still juicy and flavorful.
- Yellow onion: Chopped to soften and add sweetness during cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Blanched beforehand to keep them crisp and vibrant without overcooking.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For that perfect finishing touch and texture contrast.
- Scallions: Sliced on the bias adds fresh color and a mild oniony zest.
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional): Great for serving if you want to stretch this into a full meal.
Variations
I often tweak this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe depending on what we have or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to play around with veggies, protein types, or seasoning tweaks — it’s surprisingly flexible and always delicious.
- Using Ground Turkey or Chicken: I’ve swapped in ground turkey for a leaner version, and it absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Adding Bell Peppers: Tossing in sliced red or yellow bell peppers adds a pop of sweetness and color my family loves.
- Spicy Twist: A splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes gives it a lively kick when I want a bit more heat.
- Vegetarian Swap: Try crumbled tofu in place of ground beef for a meat-free version that soaks up all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. The cornstarch is key here — I discovered this trick to make the sauce thick and glossy, which helps it coat the beef and broccoli evenly instead of just pooling on the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Heat the sesame oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion and let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the beef mostly cooked through and the onion softened but not mushy. I like to break up the beef with my spatula so it cooks evenly — this also helps it get a bit of that delicious browning.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Broccoli
Pour in your prepared sauce and stir well to combine. Let it cook for about 1 minute until you see it thicken and become glossy. Then add your blanched broccoli florets and toss everything together for another minute. The blanched broccoli means it stays crisp and vibrant without becoming mushy — this little step makes a huge difference in texture.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Divide the stir fry evenly onto plates or shallow bowls. If you’re using rice or cauliflower rice, layer that on the bottom first, then spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. These garnishes add a fresh, nutty crunch that makes the dish pop every single time.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Your Broccoli Ahead: Blanching broccoli a few minutes before cooking saves time and keeps it perfectly crisp.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It really changes the sauce texture, making it cling beautifully instead of watery.
- Use a Wide, Deep Skillet: Gives you plenty of room to toss everything without overcrowding, which helps with browning and even cooking.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium-high heat lets the beef brown nicely but avoid burning the garlic in the sauce by adding it into the mixture, not the oil.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this stir fry with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions — the seeds add a subtle nuttiness and crunch, while scallions give that fresh, green burst that balances out the savory flavors. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little crushed red pepper if we’re feeling spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or my favorite cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option. For a more complete meal, I’ll sometimes serve a light cucumber salad or even steamed dumplings on the side to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating this stir fry inside warm lettuce cups for a fun handheld option, or serving it in colorful bowls with a sprinkle of crunchy fried shallots on top. Adding a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing brings a fresh zing that guests always appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the beef and broccoli separate from rice if possible to avoid sogginess, but it still reheats nicely all together if you’re short on containers.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stir fry successfully a couple of times. Just cool it completely, then pack in freezer-safe containers or bags. When thawed, the texture of broccoli changes a bit, so I usually reserve fresh broccoli for best results if planning to freeze.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and keep the sauce from drying out. It’s fast, and the flavors come right back to life as if freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
You can use frozen broccoli if you’re in a pinch, but I recommend thawing and draining it well first to avoid excess water that can dilute the sauce. Fresh broccoli blanched briefly tends to hold its texture and color best for this dish.
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What’s the best cut of ground beef to choose?
Choose lean ground beef around 93% lean to keep it flavorful but not greasy. Too much fat can make the stir fry oily, while very lean beef might dry out faster.
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How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce longer over heat to concentrate and thicken it naturally, though the texture might be less glossy.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and ensure your other ingredients (like honey and sesame oil) are labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s quick, flavorful, and so comfortably satisfying. Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight or want to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers every time. I really encourage you to give it a try — once you do, I’m betting it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.
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 dish combining lean ground beef with tender broccoli in a savory sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Ready in just 13 minutes, this stir fry makes a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
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
Toppings & 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 soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- 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, cooking and stirring occasionally until the meat is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Break the beef apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add the sauce and cook: Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion. Stir thoroughly to combine and let it cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
- Add broccoli and finish cooking: Add the blanched broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until heated through and well-coated with sauce.
- Serve: Divide the beef and broccoli mixture evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls, layering cooked rice or cauliflower rice at the bottom if using. Garnish each serving with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
- Blanch broccoli by boiling for 1-2 minutes and immediately plunging into ice water to retain color and texture.
- Use gluten-free tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
- Opt for cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Adjust honey amount for sweetness preference or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated for a quick meal.
