Quick & Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Ground beef broccoli stir fry combines robust protein with vibrant green vegetables in a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Our recipe refines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Rich umami flavors dance across the palate, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Home cooks appreciate this quick and elegant dish that feels like a restaurant-quality creation.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce.

Prepare to elevate your cooking skills and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a Go-To

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this ground beef and broccoli stir fry in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a balanced dish that delivers a whopping 35 grams of protein per serving, combining lean ground beef with nutrient-rich broccoli for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding extra vegetables, or serving over alternative bases like cauliflower rice for a personalized dining experience that suits every taste preference.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: Create a takeout-style meal with restaurant-worthy flavors, featuring a perfectly balanced sauce that brings together sweet, savory, and umami notes in every single bite.

What Brings the Balance to Beef and Greens

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides rich protein and creates hearty flavor for the stir fry.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds bright color and sharp onion taste to the dish.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that offers a crisp texture and slightly charred edges in the stir fry.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Umami-rich Asian condiments that create balanced and tangy flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
• Cornstarch: Natural thickening agent that gives sauce smooth and silky consistency.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide deep, warm, and complex flavor base.
• Water: Helps blend and dilute sauce ingredients for perfect consistency.

• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping that provides nutty accent and textural contrast.

• Neutral Cooking Oil: Essential for sautéing beef and broccoli with even heat distribution.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that enhances overall meat and vegetable flavors.

Cooking the Perfect Weeknight Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Water
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Rice vinegar

Whisk until smooth and sugar completely dissolves.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in broccoli and cook for 6-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Move cooked broccoli to a separate bowl.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add oil to the same skillet and lower heat to medium. Drop in ground beef, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 5 minutes until nicely browned and crumbly.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with beef. Let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return roasted broccoli to the skillet and gently mix until everything is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for That Just-Right Sauce

• Sear Broccoli Perfectly: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve delicious charred edges and crisp-tender texture.
• Select Lean Ground Beef: Choose 90/10 or 85/15 beef for optimal flavor without excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, more concentrated taste.
• Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Chop green onions, measure sauce ingredients, and have everything ready to streamline the quick cooking process.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount slightly to make sauce thicker or thinner based on personal preference and desired coating.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a small splash of oyster sauce or sriracha to the existing sauce for extra complexity and mild heat.

Reheat Without Losing Crunch or Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed ground beef and broccoli stir fry will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish away from raw ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
• Reheating: Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure consistent temperature throughout the dish.
• Freezing: Cool the stir fry completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the ground beef and broccoli.

What to Plate Up with Your Stir Fry

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ground beef, complementing the dish's garlicky and slightly sweet sauce with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Refreshing Asian Beer: Sapporo or Asahi provide a light, crisp counterpoint to the savory stir fry, cleansing the palate between bites of beef and broccoli.
• Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: The subtle, floral tea balances the dish's bold flavors, offering a clean and smooth accompaniment that enhances the meal's overall taste profile.
• Add Pickled Vegetable Side: Quick cucumber or radish pickles bring a tangy, crunchy element that adds brightness and contrast to the warm, saucy stir fry.

Beef and Broccoli Remix Ideas

• Spicy Beef Broccoli Blast: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick that brings intense heat to the classic stir fry.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian protein-packed meal that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Asian Fusion Remix: Swap rice vinegar with mirin and add a splash of oyster sauce to create a deeper, more complex umami-rich sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Powerhouse: Include additional protein like sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the stir fry.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground beef and broccoli stir fry delivers a quick, protein-packed meal that combines savory Asian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Sizzling meat and crisp broccoli create a delicious dinner that feels both comforting and exciting for anyone craving a satisfying weeknight solution.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 12 ounces (about 5 ¼ cups) fresh broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed white rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by blending water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a medium mixing bowl until completely smooth and sugar fully dissolves.
2. Warm of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully add broccoli florets and sauté for 6-7 minutes until they develop a tender texture with charred edges.
3. Transfer the perfectly cooked broccoli to a separate bowl, then add of oil to the same skillet, reducing heat to medium.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, and cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles until it browns evenly.
5. Pour the prepared sauce directly into the skillet with the beef, allowing it to simmer for 3 minutes while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
6. Reintroduce the roasted broccoli to the skillet, gently mixing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the savory sauce.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Serve the stir fry steaming hot over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, presenting a delightful and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Whip up this quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes.
• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce directly into the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers maximum flavor.
• Maximize vegetable nutrition by using fresh broccoli florets and cutting them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg