Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it’s a perfect weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how the simple combination of savory ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli really hits the spot. You’ll find that it comes together fast, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

This recipe is not only delicious but super versatile, which makes it worth trying again and again. Plus, the sauce — with garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey — balances the savory beef beautifully. If you love stir-fries that are easy on prep but big on flavor, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a perfect balance between hearty meatiness and fresh, green crunch. Picking quality ground beef and fresh broccoli really helps the dish shine — and don’t skip the fresh ginger and garlic; they’re game-changers.

• Reduced sodium soy sauce: Keeps the saltiness in check while still packing flavor; you can swap with gluten-free tamari if needed.
• Honey: Just a touch to add sweetness and balance the savory and tangy elements.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of aroma and depth.
• Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a warm, zesty note that brightens the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to coat the beef and broccoli perfectly.
• Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil brings nutty richness—don’t substitute with regular oil as it changes the flavor.
• Ground beef: I recommend 93% lean for flavor without excess grease.
• Yellow onion: Chopped onion adds a slightly sweet, savory base.
• Broccoli florets: Blanched just right to keep them bright green and crisp-tender.
• Toasted sesame seeds: A final garnish that adds texture and a nutty touch.
• Scallions: Sliced on the bias for a mild, fresh onion flavor as a finishing touch.
• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional): Great for serving and soaking up the sauce if you want a full meal.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is, so I often tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with add-ins or swap ingredients to suit your tastes.

• Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch, and it never disappoints.
• Protein Alternatives: If you’re not into ground beef, lean ground turkey or chicken also work really well here.
• Heat It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha gives it a nice kick that my family enjoys.
• Low-Carb Style: I often serve it over cauliflower rice or even sautéed zucchini noodles to keep things light and veggie-packed.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing the reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk it until smooth. This simple sauce is what ties the whole dish together, so take a moment here — it’s the magic behind that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

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 yellow onion, stirring every now and then. Cook until the meat is nearly browned and the onion is translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning but make sure the beef gets a nice sear to develop flavor.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Broccoli

Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and onion, then stir everything together. Let it cook for about a minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully. Next, toss in your blanched broccoli florets and cook for another minute to warm them through without losing their vibrant color and crunch. It’s important not to overcook the broccoli here—trust me, that crisp texture is worth the slight extra effort with blanching.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

If you’re serving with rice or cauliflower rice, start by spooning that onto your plates or bowls. Then, ladle the beef and broccoli stir fry on top. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. These little garnishes add a lovely crunch and fresh bite that bring the whole dinner together.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

My absolute favorite garnishes here are toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions—they add that extra pop of texture and freshness. If you want to play around, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add exciting heat without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

I love serving this stir fry over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo, but cauliflower rice is a go-to low-carb option that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Simple cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies on the side add a refreshing counterbalance that’s perfect for warmer nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this stir fry in lettuce cups—lettuce leaves make great handheld wraps and add a fresh crunch that guests love. Another time, plating it in small bowls layered with jasmine rice made for a vibrant, family-style sharing experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the stir fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, and I love that it reheats nicely without losing the broccoli’s texture if you reheat gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the broccoli from turning too soft. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This helps keep the beef juicy and the broccoli bright instead of overcooked. Microwaving works too, but keep the time short and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with comfort like no other weeknight meal. I love how quickly it comes together without compromising on flavor, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at my table. I really hope you give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm, familiar hug on a plate, and I think you’ll be glad to have it in your cooking repertoire.

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