Table of contents
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a 25-minute meal that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory Asian-inspired sauce. Inspired by cozy family dinners, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s forgiving, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Okay, let’s be real: we’ve all been there… It’s one of those weeks where the fridge is looking a little empty and you’re just not in the mood for another takeout meal that costs a fortune. You want something quick, maybe secretly kinda healthy (even if you add extra rice), and you need it on the table before anyone can ask “what’s for dinner” twice. This is where Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry just saves the day. Honestly, it’s so easy I almost feel like I’m cheating. If you’ve got a pan and thirty minutes (or less, really), you’re in business.
Table talk
with Michelle!
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a 25-minute crowd-pleaser! Simple, savory, and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Even picky eaters can’t resist seconds!
Michelle
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Quick and easy: Ready in 25 minutes, faster than takeout.
- Perfect balance: Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Family-friendly: Sweet-savory flavors that kids and adults love.
- Forgiving: Slightly overcooked veggies or beef? It’s still delicious!
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Fresh broccoli florets: Firm, vibrant green pieces for crisp texture
- Yellow or white onion: Sliced for sweet, savory depth
- Ground beef: 80/20 blend for rich flavor and moisture
- Cooking oil: Vegetable or peanut for high-heat cooking
- Low sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami without excess salt
- Brown sugar: Balances flavors with subtle sweetness
- Fresh garlic: Minced for bold, aromatic kick
- Fresh ginger: Grated for warm, zesty notes
- Red pepper flakes: Adjustable heat for a gentle kick
- Cornstarch: Creates a glossy, thickened sauce
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty garnish for crunch and flair
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Cook rice: Start rice according to package directions to serve with the stir fry.
- Prep ingredients: Trim broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice onion, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
- Make the sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry.
- Cook vegetables: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli and onion, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and onions are browned. Transfer to a bowl.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up minimally to develop a brown crust. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Combine and thicken: Pour in the sauce, scraping up browned bits. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Return vegetables to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Serve: Spoon over rice, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
What are the benefits of eating beef and broccoli?
So, besides being a quick ticket to dinner, is Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry secretly good for you? Actually, kinda, yes! Let me geek out just for a second. Beef gives you protein and iron, which is especially great if you’re always tired (I blame my three cups of coffee). Broccoli is loaded—and I’m not exaggerating here—with vitamins like C and K, plus fiber that does wonders for your digestion. When you toss them together, you’re getting the best of both worlds: satisfying flavor and real-deal nutrition.
Now, don’t get me wrong: nobody’s calling this health food, but it’s way more balanced than scarfing down a box of boxed mac and cheese (I’ve done it; not judging). Plus, that fresh green broccoli feels kind of virtuous, especially when it’s soaking up all that tasty sauce.
Best part? Even kids who claim they “don’t eat anything green” usually end up picking the broccoli out of their bowl first. It’s a small miracle every single time.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic meal: Serve over fluffy white rice or jasmine rice.
- Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Noodle twist: Use rice noodles or ramen for a fun variation.
- Potluck style: Serve at room temperature over lettuce leaves for a hearty salad.
Customize Your Stir Fry
- Veggie swaps: Add snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Protein options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken (add 1 tbsp oil for lean meats).
- Spice it up: Include fresh chilies or a tablespoon of sriracha.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari and gluten-free beef broth.
Kitchen Tips & Tricks
Avoid overcrowding: Cook vegetables in batches if doubling the recipe to ensure a good sear.
Brown the beef: Let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes for a flavorful crust.
Perfect sauce: The cornstarch slurry is key for a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Taste test: Adjust soy sauce or sugar for your preferred balance.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Flavors deepen overnight.
- Reheat: Use a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Make-ahead: Prep vegetables and sauce 1 day ahead; store separately and cook when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked stir fry (without rice) for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.
More Inspired Recipes
- Mongolian Beef: Sweet-savory flavors with tender beef.
- Korean Beef Bowls: Quick and flavorful ground beef dish.
- Beef and Rice Skillet: A hearty one-pan comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Stays good in the fridge for about three days, and leftovers taste even better, honestly.
Yes, thaw and pat dry first. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Lean ground beef is my pick, but anything works. Just drain a little extra fat off the fattier stuff.
It should coat a spoon and cling to the ingredients. Simmer longer if too thin.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a weeknight hero—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. It proves that simple ingredients can create a meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether for a busy Tuesday or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers love in every bite. Make it your own and enjoy!
Trust Me: Try This Tonight
So, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is basically my weeknight magic trick. It’s speedy, filling, and tastes like something you’d get from a five-star restaurant (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get me). If you want a dinner that comes together fast and still feels like a win, this one’s for you. Go ahead and check out trusted sites like Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner or Eatright.org if you need more beef-cooking tips. But really, once you make this, I think you’ll be setting your own dinnertime rules. Give it a shot—I’ll bet it becomes your new fallback meal.
If you give Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender broccoli, browned ground beef, and a savory soy-garlic-ginger sauce, perfect over white rice.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup yellow or white onion, sliced (about 1/2 onion)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable, peanut, or similar)
- 1 lb 80/20 Grass Fun Farms 100% Grass Fed Ground Beef
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, about 1 tbsp)
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- cooked white rice
Instructions
- Cook the white rice according to package instructions or personal preference.
- Trim the broccoli florets from the main stalk, aiming for similar sized pieces. Slice the onion and mince the garlic and ginger if not using prepared options.
- Stir all sauce ingredients together in a measuring cup (beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes). Whisk until combined. Stir the cornstarch into the cold water to form a slurry and set aside.
- Once ready to cook, heat a large skillet over high heat. Once heated, add the cooking oil. Add the broccoli and onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the onions are browned, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer into a prep bowl and set aside.
- In the same pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, about 4 to 5 minutes. Option to drain the ground beef before adding the prepared sauce ingredients and stir to deglaze the bottom of the skillet. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir to combine. Simmer 2–3 minutes or until the sauce is thickened to a gravy consistency.
- Fold in the broccoli and onions, stirring until all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Serve over white rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 858 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
