If you’re dreaming of a delicious weeknight meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, speed, and family-friendliness, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is going to be your new go-to recipe. With tender ground beef, vibrant broccoli, a luscious savory sauce, and a sprinkle of aromatics, it’s the kind of dish that instantly elevates your dinner table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll love how this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy each bite and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for this recipe, but each one makes a big difference in bringing rich flavors and the perfect texture. From the hearty beef to the punchy sauces, every component helps build the irresistible layers in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
- Lean ground beef: Offers juicy flavor and protein while keeping the dish light—opt for 80-90% lean for the best balance.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch, color, and healthy greens—fresh or frozen both work wonders here.
- Garlic: Delivers a fragrant, savory depth; freshly minced cloves give the best results.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Acts as the base of the sauce, giving complex savoriness without too much salt.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and salt—the low-sodium option keeps things balanced.
- Oyster sauce: Builds a subtle, sweet-savory undertone that makes stir-fries taste restaurant-worthy.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet layer and beautiful glaze to the stir fry.
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the sauce with just a touch of mellow sweetness—essential for perfect flavor harmony.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with aromatic, toasty notes—just a drizzle goes a long way.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every bite—don’t skip this crucial step!
- Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Cooked rice: The perfect fluffy base for soaking up the delicious sauce—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice works.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Optional, but these add a beautiful, fresh finishing touch (and a bit of crunch!)
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix the Savory Stir Fry Sauce
Kick off your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry by whisking together everything for the sauce: beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, plus the cornstarch slurry. This powerhouse combo is where the magic starts—it’s salty, sweet, and savory all at once. Pre-mixing means you can pour it all in later without scrambling, and the cornstarch will help the sauce thicken to that classic glossy finish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want the beef to be nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 4–5 minutes. Drain off any extra fat for a lighter dish, then remove the beef to a plate to make room for the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
Drizzle in the remaining oil, then toss in the broccoli florets. Give them a few minutes on their own to brighten up and soften—you’re aiming for tender-crisp, never mushy. If your pan gets too dry or the broccoli needs a little help, add a splash of water and cover to steam for a minute or two. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant; it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Now for the best part: returning the browned beef to the pan and pouring in your prepared stir fry sauce. Stir everything together so the sauce coats all the nooks and crannies. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, which allows the cornstarch to work its thickening magic and the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is glossy and clings to every bit of beef and broccoli.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry hot over fluffy cooked rice. For a touch of elegance and a pop of color, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Dig in—the easiest, tastiest dinner is now ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finishing touches can really turn a good dish into a showstopper! For this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds irresistible crunch, while fresh sliced green onions give a burst of color and brightness. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat or a light drizzle of sriracha if you love things spicy.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic served over classic steamed white rice, but the options don’t end there. Try it with brown rice for extra fiber, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice. A refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables adds lovely contrast and keeps the meal feeling fresh. Don’t forget a cup of green tea to complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Spoon your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry into individual bowls and top each one with a swirl of chili oil or a pile of crispy fried onions. For a fun twist, wrap the stir fry in lettuce leaves for a handheld option, or stuff it into steamed bao buns. You can even pack the leftovers into meal prep containers with rice for quick, satisfying lunches all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing this stir fry is a breeze! Simply let everything cool to room temperature, then place the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a speedy dinner topper.
Freezing
If you’d like to stock your freezer, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for sauce expansion. Freeze for up to two months—defrost overnight in the fridge for best results. The broccoli might soften slightly, but the flavor stays stellar.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add your leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot. For the stovetop, toss everything into a skillet with a splash of water or broth to reawaken the sauce. Avoid overcooking so the broccoli stays as bright and snappy as possible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well and will keep the dish a little lighter. You could also try ground pork or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a new spin on Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry—just watch the cooking time, as lean meats can dry out faster.
How can I make the stir fry gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Also, double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten-containing ingredients. All other components should be naturally gluten-free, but always verify your labels just in case!
Why is my sauce not thickening?
If the sauce isn’t thickening as you like, it might need another minute or two of simmering to activate the cornstarch fully. Make sure you included the full cornstarch slurry, and give the stir fry a gentle stir while cooking. If it’s still a bit thin, mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with cold water and add to the pan—avoid adding cornstarch directly, as it can clump.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli is super convenient and saves some chopping time. Add it straight from the freezer to the hot pan—just allow a minute or so extra for it to heat through. You may want to sauté uncovered to help evaporate excess moisture and keep the stir fry from turning watery.
Is this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry spicy?
This recipe is quite mild as written, which means it’s family-friendly and great for all palates. If you like a kick, feel free to jazz up your sauce with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, you might never go back to takeout! It’s flavorful, quick to make, and so easily adaptable to your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas, and your taste buds will thank you—so give it a go and let this recipe earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
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 is a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender-crisp broccoli and savory ground beef are cooked in a flavorful sauce and served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For Serving:
- cooked rice
- sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed and remove beef from the skillet.
- Sauté the Broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups (without rice)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
