If you’re searching for a speedy, deeply satisfying dinner with big flavor and minimal fuss, look no further than this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. With juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious savory-sweet sauce, this dish is the definition of weeknight magic. It’s ready in under half an hour, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone at your table. Let’s bring the takeout experience home—with even better flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while packing in tons of flavor. Every ingredient plays a role, whether it’s adding richness, brightness, heat, or color, so you get that signature Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe experience every time.
- Lean Ground Beef: Look for 85–90% lean for rich flavor without being greasy—ground turkey or chicken also work great!
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or thawed frozen broccoli delivers that perfect crisp-tender bite and a pop of green.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil stands up to high heat and lets the aromatics shine.
- Garlic, Minced: Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
- Fresh Ginger, Grated: Don’t skip the ginger! It adds a zing that takes the dish from good to unforgettable.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings all the savory, umami depth while letting you control the saltiness.
- Oyster Sauce: The secret powerhouse ingredient—rich, a hint of sweetness, and loads of complexity.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and authentic Chinese-style savoriness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that delicious glossy finish that hugs every morsel.
- Beef Broth or Water: Provides the ideal liquid base; broth sets off the beef flavor even more.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances out the savory notes and complements the broccoli.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add as much (or as little) as you like for a gentle heat.
- Cooked Rice for Serving: The perfect base to soak up every drop of saucy goodness.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Final seasoning to let all the flavors pop.
- Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Classic stir fry toppings for crunch and fresh, oniony bite.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Stir Fry Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. This rich, aromatic sauce is the backbone of every amazing Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, and mixing it up front lets you pour with confidence later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sear until browned and just cooked through, then season with salt and pepper. Transfer the beef to a plate—this step deepens flavor and keeps the dish from getting greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli
Return the pan to the heat and add the second tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for just about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let them burn!). Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re bright green and crisp-tender—your kitchen will smell drop-dead delicious.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Slide your cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sauteed broccoli. Give the sauce mixture one last stir, then pour it over everything in the pan. Stir well to coat all the beef and broccoli in that glossy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken quickly and everything will be hot, perfectly coated, and utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the finished Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe over bowls of steamed rice. Sprinkle with lots of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that signature pop of flavor and crunch. Stand back and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
This dish truly comes alive with a handful of fresh garnishes. Top each bowl with a shower of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. Not only do they look beautiful, but they add a final layer of crunch and a subtle, fresh lift that brings all those savory flavors to the next level.
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is warm steamed rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce and keeps every bite comforting. For a lighter meal, serve the stir fry alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame. If you’re feeding a crowd, add some simple miso soup or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe by serving it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. Stuff leftovers into lettuce wraps for a playful appetizer, or fold it into a fluffy egg omelet for a delicious breakfast-for-dinner twist. However you serve it, the flavors always shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra stir fry into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. You’ll love discovering how the flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers nearly as tempting as the first serving. Just be sure to store the rice and stir fry separately for best texture.
Freezing
If you want to stock up for lunch emergencies, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe freezes beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Portion into individual servings for unbeatable quick lunches.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often. Garnish freshly after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or fresh broccoli, use frozen florets—simply thaw and drain them well before adding to the pan. This trick keeps your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe ultra-convenient without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, try using extra hoisin sauce plus a dash of soy sauce. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still get a deeply savory, sweet-and-salty result.
How can I make this gluten free?
To keep the dish gluten free, swap in tamari for soy sauce, make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten free, and use cornstarch as directed. Simple swaps ensure everyone can enjoy the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe.
Can I use other ground meats?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken both work beautifully here! They soak up the sauce and cook just as quickly, so it’s easy to tailor the recipe to your preferences or what’s on hand.
How do I make it spicier?
For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even drizzle in a little sriracha during cooking. You can also sprinkle with chili crisp oil just before serving for a bold, fiery finish.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become a go-to comfort meal at our house, and I hope it wows you too. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this quick, flavor-packed classic again and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender ground beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the stir fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Cooked rice for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate.
- Stir fry: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic and ginger, then add broccoli. Stir-fry until tender-crisp. Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh; just thaw and drain before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- This dish also works well with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
