If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that brings together bold flavors, swoon-worthy textures, and comes together in minutes, let me introduce you to the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. With a savory-sweet sauce, delightfully crisp broccoli, juicy ground beef, and delicate notes of ginger and garlic, this is one of those dishes you’ll want to put on repeat. It’s the kind of weeknight magic that feels just a little bit special, and yet, it’s so unfussy you can pull it off even on your busiest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient truly shines, from the savory sauces to the star vegetables, creating a balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Ground beef: The hero protein, providing savory, juicy bites and plenty of heartiness.
- Broccoli florets: For that fresh crunch and bright green pop, plus a healthy dose of veggie goodness.
- Vegetable oil: Gives you a smooth base for sautéing and searing everything perfectly.
- Garlic (minced): Adds irresistible aromatic depth and authentic Asian flair.
- Fresh ginger (minced): Offers a warm, zesty kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Lends the essential savory backbone for the sauce while keeping things balanced in saltiness.
- Oyster sauce: Contributes a silky, umami-rich complexity—that signature stir fry taste.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a hit of sweetness and deep, almost smoky notes.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy finish, helping everything cling beautifully.
- Water: Loosens the sauce for even coating and steams the veggies when needed.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the salty and savory with a pleasing, mellow sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Green onions (sliced): A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a bit of brightness.
- Steamed rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by making the magic: in a small bowl, blend the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, brown sugar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give it a good whisk until everything is perfectly combined. This sauce is what makes the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry so irresistibly glossy and flavorful!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Grab your largest skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your spatula, until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked—about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess grease, just drain it off for a lighter dish with a cleaner flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Straight into that beef, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells incredible and those aromatics become fragrant. Their fresh, zingy kick brings the entire dish to life.
Step 4: Bring in the Broccoli
Time to add the broccoli florets! Stir everything together, and let the broccoli cook for 3 to 4 minutes. If you find the pan’s a little dry, splash in a hint of water to steam the veggies. You want the broccoli bright green and just-tender, never mushy.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauce
Now for the showstopper moment—pour your prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Toss everything to coat every last bite in that luscious mixture. Let it bubble and thicken for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce gets sticky and glossy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat, sprinkle everything with those fresh green onions, and serve your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry hot over fluffy steamed rice. Prepare for rave reviews at the table!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is a must—they add color and a fresh bite. If you’re feeling extra, toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can give your stir fry a wonderful nutty aroma and extra crunch. A wedge of lime for squeezing is also a zesty surprise that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
While steamed white rice is the classic companion, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry pairs beautifully with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist. For an Asian-inspired spread, try serving with quick-cooked edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or simple miso soup on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stir fry in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held meal, perfect for parties or quick lunches. For a cozy family dinner, ladle it into shallow bowls over soft noodles. You can even stuff leftovers into warm tortillas or wraps for an East-meets-West lunchbox treat—the flavors hold up beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage not to eat it all, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors just get cozier as they mingle.
Freezing
Yes, this dish freezes well! Scoop cooled stir fry (without rice) into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a quick weeknight dinner fix.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring halfway through for even heating. Just be careful not to overcook the broccoli—gentle reheating keeps it perfectly tender!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the broccoli dry first to avoid extra water in your skillet. This keeps the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry vibrant, not soggy.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap out soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for their gluten-free versions, easily found in most supermarkets. This tiny tweak lets everyone enjoy the same bold flavors.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You sure can! Both ground turkey and chicken work well, though you might want to add a dash more soy sauce or a few drops of sesame oil to boost richness. The stir fry remains just as tasty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly-sliced carrots during the broccoli step for a rainbow of color and crunch. This makes the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry even more nutritious and eye-catching.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Portion out the stir fry with rice in containers, let cool, and store in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making weekday lunches a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is comfort food, takeout-favorite, and healthy kitchen hack all in one—what’s not to love? If you give it a try, I’m sure it’ll earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation. Grab your ingredients, pour yourself something to sip, and dive in!
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 flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef are stir-fried in a delicious sauce until coated and served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Aromatics and Broccoli: Add garlic and ginger, then stir in broccoli florets. Cook for a few minutes.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over steamed rice.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- You can use frozen broccoli, but thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
