I make this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry when I need a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan. It combines tender broccoli and savory ground beef in a simple, delicious sauce that feels both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast this meal is to prepare, especially on busy weeknights. The ground beef cooks quickly, and the broccoli stays crisp-tender, creating a great balance of texture. The savory sauce coats everything beautifully, and I can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. I also appreciate how budget-friendly and versatile it is.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ground beef
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fresh broccoli florets
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garlic cloves, minced
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fresh ginger, grated
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soy sauce
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beef broth
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brown sugar
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cornstarch
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sesame oil
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olive oil or neutral cooking oil
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salt
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black pepper
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sesame seeds (optional garnish)
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sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Directions
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I heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. I drain any excess grease if needed.
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I stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant.
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I add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
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I pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the beef and broccoli.
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I let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
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I taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
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I garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: approximately 25–30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. When I want a bit of heat, I mix in red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste. I also enjoy serving it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For a slightly sweeter flavor, I increase the brown sugar slightly.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a small splash of broth or water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
I can use frozen broccoli, but I thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the stir fry.
What can I serve with this dish?
I enjoy serving it with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
I avoid overcooking it and sauté just until tender-crisp.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen after resting.
Can I substitute another protein?
I can use ground turkey or chicken if I want a lighter alternative.
Conclusion
I find this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to be a reliable, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every time. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it is a recipe I enjoy making again and again.
Print
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan stir fry featuring savory ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and broccoli.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before using.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or chili paste for added heat.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of broth or water.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
