This quick and easy stir fry is the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami goodness. Imagine tender ground beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, flavorful sauce coming together in just one pan. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat—effortless yet incredibly satisfying. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
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Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this stir fry—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The star of the show. Lean ground beef works best, but you can use any type depending on your preference.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and a boost of nutrition. Frozen works too, just thaw before using.
Garlic and Ginger: The dynamic duo that infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-rich backbone of the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Sesame Oil: Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until it’s bright green but still crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch with water. Stir until smooth.
Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture, stirring well to coat. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is beautifully glazed.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Steamed Rice: White or brown rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Noodles: Serve over lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes or chili paste to give the dish a unique kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to [time]. For best results, reheat in the oven or stovetop.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to [time]. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in the skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large enough pan so everything cooks evenly.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste for a kick.
Can I make it low-carb?
Swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute and serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would be delicious additions.
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is one of those meals that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or your new meal prep favorite, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect go-to for quick dinner ideas. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and a flavorful sauce, this dish comes together in just 13 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for high-protein recipes for dinner, fine dining recipes, or healthy recipes for lunch, this stir fry is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets and blanched*
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is almost fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in the reserved sauce, stirring to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the blanched broccoli and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice, if desired.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.
Notes
- To blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again before using.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying the honey or soy sauce to taste.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg