If you’re craving a quick dinner that brings maximum flavor with minimal fuss, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe will absolutely wow you. Tender broccoli florets, savory ground beef, and a punchy, sweet-savory sauce come together in about 30 minutes for a meal that feels both comforting and a bit special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to upgrade homemade takeout. Whether you’re an absolute stir fry fanatic or just dipping in for an easy meal, get ready to fall in love with the bold tastes and satisfying textures at play here in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it relies on simple, honest ingredients you likely already have—each one bringing something essential to the table. The broccoli gives crunch and color, while the seasoned beef forms the heart of the dish and the homemade sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Broccoli florets: Fresh, vibrant green florets add healthy crunch and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Yellow or white onion: Sliced onions bring gentle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Cooking oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or peanut keeps everything sizzling without overpowering other flavors.
Ground beef (80/20): Opt for grass-fed if you can; the beef’s juiciness and flavor make this stir fry extra comforting.
Low sodium beef broth: Building the backbone of the sauce while allowing you to control the dish’s saltiness.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a savory punch without being too salty.
Brown sugar: Rounds out the savoriness with a subtle, caramel-like sweetness that’s totally irresistible.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic wakes up the whole mixture with its aromatic bite.
Ginger paste: Lends warmth and a touch of brightness—store-bought or homemade both work!
Red pepper flakes (optional): A sprinkle brings just the right kick if you want a bit of heat.
Cornstarch: The secret to that glossy, thick sauce that clings to every bite.
Cold water: Combine with cornstarch to make your quick thickening slurry.
Toasted sesame seeds: A fragrant, nutty finish that’s simple but makes a difference.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy rice supports all the saucy goodness and turns this into a meal.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli

Start by bringing a good-sized pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop in your broccoli florets and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn that bright, lively shade of green and get tender without losing their crunch. Quickly drain and set aside—their color and texture will light up your final Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Onion

Grab your trusty skillet or wok and heat up your cooking oil over medium-high. Toss in the sliced onions, letting them soften for 2 to 3 minutes. This little step infuses your oil and your stir fry with irresistible sweetness and fragrance right from the get-go.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Move your onions to the side a bit, then add in the beef. Use your spatula to break it up as it cooks, browning it all over. Once everything is fully cooked and no longer pink, you can carefully drain off any excess fat for a fresher, lighter flavor.

Step 4: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Heat

Time for a flavor party! Stir in the minced garlic, ginger paste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love some spice. Cook everything for another minute or two, just until it smells absolutely amazing in your kitchen.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Whisk together your beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this blend right into your pan, mingling with all the aromatic goodness in there—this is where the magic happens for our Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a separate small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into your simmering pan; in just a couple of minutes the sauce will thicken up to that silky, restaurant-style consistency you love.

Step 7: Add Broccoli and Finish

Gently fold in your blanched broccoli, making sure every little tree gets a generous coating of sauce. Let them warm through for 1 or 2 minutes. Give it a taste, then adjust with a splash more soy sauce or a sprinkle more sugar if needed. Your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is ready for its rice bowl debut!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing finishes this stir fry quite like a scattering of toasted sesame seeds—they lend irresistible nutty crunch and visual flair. If you have them handy, thinly sliced green onions or even a drizzle of extra soy sauce brighten things up even more, making the dish pop both in flavor and on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a complete meal on a bowl of steaming white rice, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Egg rolls or dumplings are terrific, too, making it a full-on feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your stir fry in individual bowls over rice for pretty presentation, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter, party-ready appetizer. Piling it onto a platter family-style lets everyone dig in and customize their servings as they please—the fun is in sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 or 4 days. Perfect for easy lunches or busy nights later in the week!

Freezing

If you want to save your stir fry for another day, freeze portions in sealed, freezer-friendly bags or containers. For best texture, try to under-cook the broccoli very slightly before freezing, so it stands up to reheating. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before gently warming back up.

Reheating

This dish reheats best in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed, and stir frequently until everything is heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; cover loosely to keep moisture in and prevent splatter.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in a pinch. Just add it straight to the skillet (skip blanching) and let it cook until heated through and tender before mixing with the sauce.

What can I substitute for beef if I want a lighter version?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu can stand in for the beef—just note that you may want to add a bit more soy sauce or spices for extra flavor since these proteins are a little milder.

How spicy is this stir fry?

The Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is as mild or spicy as you like! The red pepper flakes are optional, so add to taste, or skip entirely if serving kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, and checking that your beef broth and other packaged ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales up or down beautifully. Just adjust your pan size if doubling to avoid overcrowding (which can cause steaming rather than browning).

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. It’s quick, lively, endlessly customizable, and bursting with flavors that make even the busiest weeknight feel a little more special. Give it a try soon and savor every saucy, satisfying bite!