If you’re craving a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant flavors, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute treasure. Combining tender ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress friends, this recipe balances hearty and fresh elements perfectly, making it a go-to in my kitchen anytime the craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe means gathering a straightforward list of ingredients that each play a key role in building its delicious layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli provides that crisp texture and vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Lean beef keeps things hearty without being greasy, letting the other flavors shine through.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth as it caramelizes with the beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that brings out the best in all ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm aroma and savory bite.
- ½ cup beef broth: Adds rich umami and moisture to the sauce.
- â…“ cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Balances saltiness with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasty aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: A second layer of garlic for that extra punch (added into the sauce).
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: For a subtle zing that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it that perfect cling to beef and broccoli.
- Rice, for serving: A fluffy bed to soak up every bit of the sauce.
- Sliced green onions, for garnish: Freshness and color for the final presentation.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, fitted with a steamer basket. Steam the broccoli florets for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still have a delightful crunch. This method keeps the vibrant green color and fresh flavor intact, ensuring your stir-fry looks and tastes wonderful.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
While the broccoli steams, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion, cooking until the beef is completely browned and the onions have softened nicely. Season with salt and pepper, and then add the minced garlic, letting it sauté for about a minute to release its fragrance—this layering of flavors is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, another clove of minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. This sauce is a perfect balance—salty, sweet, savory, and slightly thickened to coat every ingredient beautifully in the final dish.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the browned beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir gently. Continue cooking as the sauce thickens, enveloping the meat and vegetables in a glossy, flavorful coating. This step takes about a few minutes and is where everything comes together harmoniously.
Step 5: Serve Hot Over Rice
The final touch is serving this flavorful stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice not only makes the meal more substantial but also soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite utterly delicious.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions sprinkled over the top add a burst of fresh color and a mild, oniony crunch that complements the rich flavors. You can also toast some sesame seeds for a nutty finish or drizzle a little extra sesame oil for a more aromatic experience.
Side Dishes
Though this dish stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice makes it more filling and balances the salty-sweet sauce perfectly. For an extra veggie boost, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or crushed red pepper flakes can also introduce exciting textures and flavors that elevate the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, splash a little water or broth to loosen it up without compromising flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through and flavorful.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This keeps all the savory goodness without gluten concerns.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing or drizzle in some chili garlic sauce for a pleasant heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers make great alternatives or additions, especially if you want to add variety and extra color to your stir-fry.
What’s the best way to cook rice to serve with this stir-fry?
Use a rice cooker or simmer rice with a little extra water for fluffy grains that soak up the sauce perfectly. Jasmine rice with its fragrant aroma pairs especially well with this dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is like inviting comfort and flavor into your kitchen with every stir of the pan. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying—a real weeknight hero that also earns applause from guests. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite dishes to whip up over and over again.
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender steamed broccoli with savory ground beef cooked in a rich soy-ginger sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh green onions for added crunch and color.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
- ½ cup beef broth
- â…“ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving
- Rice, for serving
Instructions
- Steam Broccoli: In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring a few inches of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and steam for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion, cooking together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Lower Heat: Reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for combining the sauce with the beef and broccoli.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic (from the sauce ingredients), ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Add the steamed broccoli florets to the skillet with the ground beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and stir well to combine. Continue cooking on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef and broccoli mixture hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Be careful not to oversteam the broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp to retain texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra ½ tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
