Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re after a fast, satisfying, and downright craveable dinner, you have to try this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Drawing inspiration from classic takeout favorites but made entirely at home, this recipe delivers savory, saucy flavor in every bite. You get tender-crisp broccoli, perfectly seasoned ground beef, ginger, and garlic all tossed in an irresistible sauce—ready in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those dishes that will immediately earn a spot in your weeknight rotation, and once you see how simple and delicious it is, you’ll want to tell everyone about your new go-to Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is how its short list of ingredients comes together to create big flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays a role in making this dish so vibrant and comforting, and you probably have most of them on hand already!

• Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor while keeping the stir fry balanced and satisfying.
• Sesame oil: Offers a wonderfully nutty aroma that is essential to any stir fry, elevating the overall taste.
• Broccoli florets: Adds a pop of color, crunch, and loads of vitamins; use fresh or frozen to suit your schedule.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with classic aromatic depth for that unmistakable stir fry taste.
• Fresh ginger: Brings a zesty kick and warmth that cuts through the richness of the beef.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Delivers savory umami goodness while keeping salt in check.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds complex sweetness and depth, tying everything together for that “takeout at home” flavor.
• Brown sugar: Just a touch of sweetness creates a balanced sauce that clings to every bite.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats the beef and broccoli without feeling heavy.
• Water: Brings the sauce together and helps create that glossy finish.
• Green onions: A fresh, sharp garnish that brightens the final dish.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Add a subtle crunch and beautiful finish if you want to go the extra mile.
• Cooked rice (for serving): Fluffy rice soaks up all that savory sauce and turns the stir fry into a complete meal.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing your favorite large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the sesame oil, letting it shimmer for a moment before adding the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up as it simmers, until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. If there’s extra grease pooling in the pan, drain it off to keep the finished stir fry from feeling heavy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir everything around for about a minute, just until the kitchen fills with their incredible fragrance. This step lays down the essential savory, aromatic backbone for your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets directly to the skillet. Stir fry them for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn a vibrant green and are just fork-tender. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you might need to cook a tiny bit longer for that perfect crunch; frozen broccoli just needs to thaw and heat through.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

While the broccoli softens, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This glossy sauce brings sweet, salty, and umami-rich notes that soak into every ingredient for mouthwatering results.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce right over your beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything, then watch as the sauce bubbles and thickens in 2 to 3 minutes, enveloping every piece in glossy deliciousness. Once it clings nicely, you’ve officially mastered Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry at home.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and finish things off with a shower of green onions and, if you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Scoop your savory stir fry over plenty of rice and dig in!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Brighten up your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with a generous scattering of sliced green onions for freshness or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. If you like a kick, add a few chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for color and spice.

Side Dishes

The dish shines atop a bowl of steamed white or brown rice, but don’t stop there—try it over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist or pair with a quick cucumber salad to add crunch and cleanse the palate. A bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup complements the meal for a true takeout-style dinner at home.

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily transform this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for parties by serving it lettuce wrap-style for a hands-on appetizer, or spoon the stir fry into meal prep boxes with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. For a family-style effect, bring the sizzling skillet to the table and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It stays flavorful, and the sauce remains luscious even after a night or two in the fridge.

Freezing

This stir fry can be frozen for longer storage! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just know that the broccoli’s texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the dish is still delicious.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered loosely, until hot—usually 1-2 minutes does the trick. On the stove, warm over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent sticking and help revive the sauce’s glossy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great in this recipe and soak up the sauce just as well. The flavor will be a bit lighter, but still totally satisfying—just adjust the seasoning if needed.

What if I want my Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry spicier?

Easy fix—add a teaspoon of sriracha, a dash of chili garlic sauce, or a shake of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or right at the end. You can tailor the heat level for your family’s taste buds.

Is this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free?

With a few ingredient swaps, yes! Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

No problem at all—just use a large skillet or wok and brown the beef in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. This stir fry keeps extremely well in the fridge, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

How do I make the broccoli more tender?

If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it for a couple of minutes or microwave briefly before adding it to the pan. Alternatively, cook it a minute or two longer during the stir fry process, adding a splash of water if needed for extra steam.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly comforting about a bowl of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry—simple ingredients, big flavors, and minimal effort. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it earns rave reviews every time. Grab your skillet, give it a go, and get ready to crave it again and again!

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