Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it hits all the right notes: hearty, healthy, and just bursting with flavor. It’s that kind of meal that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight, but feels special enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat. You’ll find that the balance between tender broccoli, savory ground beef, and that slightly sweet-savory sauce really makes it a go-to for dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could transform into something so satisfying and full of texture. Plus, it’s versatile — perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner solution. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or feeding the whole family, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is definitely worth trying and tweaking to your taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe are simple yet complementary, giving you that perfectly balanced dish. I like buying fresh broccoli and a good-quality ground beef because that truly makes the meal shine. Also, grabbing some basic pantry staples like soy sauce and brown sugar sets the stage for a fantastic sauce.

• Peanut oil: I love using peanut oil for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but vegetable or olive oil works fine too.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best, but frozen can be a convenient substitute if you thaw and dry them well.
• Ground beef: Use 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and fat; leaner beef works but may be drier.
• Yellow onion: Adds that sweet, aromatic base flavor that builds depth.
• Red bell pepper: It brings a pop of color and a mild sweetness, making the dish visually inviting.
• Salt/White pepper: To taste—white pepper adds a gentle heat without dark specks, keeping the look clean.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce—mix with cold water first to avoid lumps.
• Beef broth: Adds richness and savory depth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce; low sodium versions help control saltiness.
• Brown sugar: Brings a warm sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
• Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness and enhances sauce complexity.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that punchy flavor.
• Ground ginger: Provides a lightly spicy, aromatic kick to the dish.
• Toasted sesame oil: Added at the end for its nutty aroma that makes the stir fry sing.
• Cooked rice: Any kind will do; it’s the perfect base for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Variations

I love to play around with this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, making it my own depending on what’s in the fridge. Feel free to switch up vegetables or protein—there’s so much room for creativity and to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

• Protein swaps: I’ve made it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and honestly, it’s just as delicious.
• Veggie additions: Adding julienned carrots or water chestnuts introduces great crunch and color.
• Spicy kick: If you like heat, a splash of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this gluten-free friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sauces and Cornstarch Slurry

I always start by mixing the cornstarch with cold water in a little jar and shaking it up until smooth—this slurry is the magic for thickening the sauce later without clumps. Then, I whisk together the rest of the sauce ingredients in a bowl, starting with just one tablespoon of honey. You can always add more sweetness after tasting, which helps avoid an overpowering shine of sugar.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli Just Right

Heat your peanut or vegetable oil over medium heat in a wide pan or wok, then toss in the broccoli florets. Keep the broccoli moving for about 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still bright green and crisp. Don’t overcook here—I like to pull them from the heat and set them aside to add back later for the perfect texture.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté the Veggies

Season your ground beef with a pinch of salt and white pepper (if you have it). In the same pan, crank the heat up to medium-high and cook the beef with diced onion, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked through, drain the grease for a leaner result, then toss in the sliced red bell peppers and cook for just a minute to soften slightly without losing crunch.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Thicken It Up

Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil, then let it gently simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors. Shake your cornstarch slurry again and gradually drizzle it into the bubbling sauce while stirring constantly—this keeps the sauce silky and thickens it up nicely. Cook until you reach your desired consistency; I usually like it thick enough to coat everything but still pourable.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

Turn the heat down to low and fold the broccoli back into the beef mixture, stirring well to coat each floret in that glorious sauce. Let it warm through for just a couple of minutes before turning off the heat. Just before serving, I drizzle in the toasted sesame oil—it gives the dish that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor that really finishes it beautifully.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this stir fry with a handful of sliced green onions for that fresh, slightly sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for crunch and an extra layer of flavor. These garnishes aren’t necessary but definitely elevate the dish and make it feel a bit more special.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is fantastic served over steaming hot rice—jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice work great. I’ve also paired it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you want to round out your meal, a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings on the side make it feel like a full Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner with a little flair, I like to serve the stir fry in individual mini bowls topped with fresh cilantro or extra green onions. For guests, setting out bowls of crunchy toppings—like chow mein noodles or sliced almonds—lets everyone customize their plates. On special occasions, serve with colorful vegetable spring rolls or potstickers alongside to create a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend cooling it completely before sealing to keep the texture intact. When I had leftovers, I often portion them out for easy lunches during the week.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! Just make sure to cool the stir fry thoroughly, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It’ll keep for about 2 months. I’ve learned that freezing the rice separately helps prevent it from turning mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly. Fresh garnishes like green onions can revive the flavors after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe really holds a special place in my meal rotation because it delivers comfort, health, and flavor all in one. I love how it’s forgiving, adaptable, and quick to pull together—qualities I know you’ll appreciate too. When you make it, I hope it becomes your reliable kitchen hero, just like it did for me. Don’t hesitate to experiment with it; cooking should be fun and this recipe has plenty of room for your personal touch!

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