Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together hearty, comforting flavors with vibrant greens, you’re going to love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that perfectly balances tender broccoli and savory ground beef with a luscious, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a true winner that brings warmth, texture, and color to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe uses a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in delivering bold flavor and great texture. From tender broccoli florets to rich soy sauce and fragrant garlic, every component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the dish.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): Fresh and crisp, these bring color, crunch, and a burst of freshness to the stir-fry.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty protein and a savory base for the sauce.
- Yellow onion (½, diced): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a mild kick.
- Beef broth (½ cup): Creates a rich, meaty foundation for the sauce without overpowering.
- Soy sauce (⅓ cup): Brings salty umami that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Balances salty and savory with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a toasty, nutty note that is signature in stir-fry dishes.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): A subtle spicy freshness to brighten up the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite.
- Rice (for serving): The perfect fluffy base to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch for the finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Start with fresh broccoli florets, steaming them just long enough to be tender but still crisp—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This step ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and offers a pleasant bite, avoiding that mushy texture you sometimes get when it’s overcooked.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
While your broccoli is steaming, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef along with diced yellow onion. Cook them together until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions have softened, releasing their natural sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to develop rich, savory depth.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, another minced clove of garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. This sauce combines sweet, salty, and aromatic elements, giving the dish its signature bold flavor and lovely glaze.
Step 4: Combine, Cook, and Thicken
Add the steamed broccoli to your skillet with the beef mixture and pour the sauce right over the top. Stir everything together gently, keeping the heat at medium-low. Let the sauce simmer and thicken as it coats the beef and broccoli evenly, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor and a silky texture that ties the dish together.
Step 5: Serve it up Hot
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, plate your stir-fry over freshly cooked rice. This step lets you soak up all the delicious sauce, making every forkful a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is all you need to elevate this dish visually and taste-wise. The fresh, sharp bite cuts through the warm, rich sauce and adds a delightful crunch and pop of color that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice, but you can also serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier or earthier twist. For extra veggies, a light cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots would add a refreshing counterpoint to the savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups or inside halved bell peppers for a visually stunning, low-carb option. You can also top it with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil to add texture and a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir-fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as delicious as the fresh batch.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve freshness and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. This helps loosen the sauce and brings back that saucy, stick-to-everything magic that makes the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe so crave-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time. Just steam or thaw it before adding to the stir-fry to avoid extra water in the dish.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and pairs nicely with the same sauce, although the flavor will be milder. You might want to cook it a little slower to prevent drying out.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
This recipe is mild and packed with savory and sweet flavors. If you love spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste for extra heat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your beef broth is gluten-free to keep this stir-fry safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive diners.
What rice is best to serve with this dish?
Simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice is classic for soaking up the sauce, but brown rice or cauliflower rice also make healthy and tasty alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s a dish that packs flavor, nutrition, and ease into one satisfying plate. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a favorite in so many homes, including mine. Whip this up tonight and enjoy a delicious meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds!
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender broccoli florets are steamed to perfection and combined with savory ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, all coated in a rich, slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce. Served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus 1 extra clove minced for sauce)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
To Serve
- Rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Steam Broccoli: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the boiling water and steam for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute to release their aroma.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef and onions cook, whisk together in a small bowl the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Thicken: Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium-low. Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the cooked beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir continuously, cooking and sautéing the ingredients together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the broccoli and beef.
- Serve: Spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Make sure not to oversteamed the broccoli; it should remain slightly firm for the best texture.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger crowds.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
