Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, savory dinner that tastes even better than takeout and comes together in minutes, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Imagine tender broccoli florets tossed with ultra-flavorful ground beef in a glossy, slightly sweet, garlicky sauce—all served piping hot over fluffy rice. This dish delivers incredible flavor, weeknight simplicity, and plenty of healthy greens, making it perfect for busy families and solo foodies alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is that it turns humble pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Each element brings something special to the plate, balancing savory, sweet, and umami notes with every bite.

• Lean ground beef: Choose a lean cut to keep the stir fry hearty without excess grease—ground turkey or chicken also work great.
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Classic for color, crunch, and natural sweetness; frozen works well in a pinch, just add a minute to cooking.
• Garlic (minced): The flavor backbone—use fresh garlic for the best punch, but jarred will work if needed.
• Low-sodium beef broth: This creates depth in the sauce and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for that salty, savory hit without going overboard on saltiness.
• Oyster sauce: The dark horse ingredient, bringing deep umami and a glossy finish to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet-savory complexity that takes the sauce to restaurant-level good.
• Brown sugar: Just a touch rounds out all the savory flavors and gives balance.
• Sesame oil: A few drops transform the whole stir fry with rich nutty aroma.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: This little slurry thickens the sauce just right, coating every bite.
• Vegetable oil (divided): Keeps things from sticking and lets ingredients sauté beautifully.
• Cooked rice: Fluffy, neutral rice is the perfect canvas for all that tasty sauce.
• Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (optional): A finishing touch for extra crunch and fresh pop of flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

Start by whisking together your beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. This flavorful mixture is the heart of your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry—it’s the secret weapon that ties every bite together. Set the sauce aside within arm’s reach, so you’re ready to pour it in when the skillet starts sizzling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s deeply browned and no pink remains. If you notice excess fat pooling in the pan, drain it off to keep your stir fry from getting greasy. Once the beef is cooked through, transfer it to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add that second tablespoon of oil right into your pan. Toss in the broccoli florets, and stir-fry for three to four minutes until they turn bright green and just start to soften. Like your broccoli a little softer? Add a quick splash of water and cover the pan to let the florets steam for one to two minutes. This trick keeps them tender-crisp but still vibrant.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Time to bring in the aromatics! Sprinkle your minced garlic into the pan with the broccoli and let it sauté for about thirty seconds. The moment you smell that irresistible garlicky aroma, you know it’s ready for the next step.

Step 5: Combine & Simmer

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Pour in your prepared sauce and give everything a good stir to make sure the sauce coats all the nooks and crannies. Let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish, hugging every bite of beef and broccoli. It’s now ready to leap onto a bed of steaming rice.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

The finishing touches are both pretty and tasty! Sprinkle with sesame seeds for some nutty crunch, and toss a handful of bright green onions across the top. Not only do they look restaurant-ready, but they also add a gentle, fresh bite.

Side Dishes

While Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is satisfying on its own, you can easily round out your meal with jasmine or brown rice, quick sautéed snow peas, or crisp Asian slaw. In a hurry? A simple side of steamed edamame adds heartiness and color in minutes.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with the presentation! Try serving your stir fry in lettuce cups for a lighter twist, or pile it high over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a party platter, arrange the beef and broccoli over a large serving tray with rice on the side and let everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, so your leftovers will taste just as fantastic, if not even better, on day two or three.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this meal, let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheating is as simple as transferring your stir fry to a skillet or microwave-safe bowl. If using a skillet, heat gently over medium, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in quick intervals, stirring between each, so everything gets evenly warmed without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?

Absolutely! Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is fantastic for meal prep. Simply cook as directed, cool completely, and store in the fridge. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers surprisingly delicious.

What’s the best way to get my broccoli perfectly tender-crisp?

The secret is to sauté the broccoli first, then cover and steam briefly with a splash of water. This gives you that restaurant-quality texture—vibrant, slightly crunchy, and never mushy.

Do I have to use ground beef? What other proteins work?

No beef? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken are seamless swaps, bringing a lighter twist to the dish. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or even tempeh for an extra boost of plant-based protein.

How can I make my stir fry spicy?

If you’re a spice lover, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of chili oil, or swirl a bit of sriracha into the sauce. Adjust the level to your taste for the perfect fiery finish.

Is Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the soy sauce and oyster sauce for certified gluten-free versions. Double-check ingredient labels, especially the hoisin sauce, to make sure all your sauces are safe for your needs.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry enough—it’s speedy, seriously tasty, and completely comforting. Next time you’re short on time but want bold flavor, give this dish a try. You and your family will love how simple, adaptable, and delicious it is, right down to the very last saucy bite!

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