There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty yet simple stir-fry, and this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe hits every note perfectly. With tender florets of vibrant broccoli and savory ground beef sautéed to juicy perfection, all wrapped in a glossy, flavorful sauce, this dish brings together a delightful mix of textures and rich, balanced flavors. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe is easy to whip up, rewarding you with a wholesome, colorful plate that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe shines because its ingredients are simple, accessible, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the fresh broccoli that adds color and crunch to the savory, umami-packed sauce that ties it all together, every item is essential and easy to find.
- Broccoli florets: Using 4 cups of bite-sized broccoli gives a vibrant green pop and desirable crunch.
- Lean ground beef: One pound ensures a rich, savory base while keeping the dish lean and satisfying.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Two cloves for sautéing plus one for the sauce deliver that aromatic punch you expect in stir-fry.
- Beef broth: A half cup creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce without overpowering.
- Soy sauce: One-third cup provides savory umami and a touch of saltiness.
- Brown sugar: A quarter cup balances the savory notes with just the right sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Two teaspoons add a subtle nutty fragrance that elevates the dish.
- Ground ginger: One teaspoon introduces warm, bright spice.
- Cornstarch: One tablespoon thickens the sauce for that glossy finish.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Sliced green onions: Garnish that adds fresh color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli to Perfection
Start by bringing a few inches of water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Steam the broccoli florets for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender yet still maintain a bit of that satisfying crunch. This gentle cooking method keeps their bright green color vibrant and preserves their natural sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the savory beef.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef and Sauté Onions
While the broccoli steams, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef along with diced yellow onions. Cook these together until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the minced garlic, cooking for just another minute to release its fragrant aroma. Reducing the heat to medium-low at this point sets the stage for an even cooking process once the sauce is added.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, create the magic mix by whisking together beef broth, soy sauce, packed brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. This combination brings the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, while the cornstarch ensures a luscious, thickened sauce that will cling lovingly to every bit of beef and broccoli.
Step 4: Combine, Cook, and Coat Everything
Now, add your steamed broccoli directly into the skillet with the cooked beef and onions. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir consistently. As the heat coaxes the sauce to thicken, each bite becomes coated in that irresistible glaze delivering both flavor and a slightly sticky, comforting texture. Once thoroughly heated and thickened, your stir-fry is ready to be served.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a pop of fresh color and a mild onion tang that contrasts beautifully with the deep flavors of the stir-fry. You can also add a few sesame seeds for a nutty crunch that makes every bite a bit more exciting.
Side Dishes
While this dish stands well on its own with steamed rice, you can serve it alongside something light and crunchy like an Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A bowl of miso soup or a simple egg drop soup also complements the meal perfectly for a full, comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in pretty individual bowls lined with jasmine or basmati rice, topped with garnishes, so everyone can help themselves. Another fun idea is to serve it with crispy wonton chips on the side for dipping and scooping, mixing textures in a playful way that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir-fry keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the vibrant flavors and avoid the broccoli turning mushy. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you need something wholesome but fast.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, transfer the cooled stir-fry into a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, but note the broccoli’s texture might soften a bit upon thawing. To help with texture, consider freezing the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. Reheating on the stovetop helps maintain the sauce’s sheen and keeps the broccoli from overcooking further. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short intervals to avoid steaming the broccoli too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and will absorb the sauce flavors nicely. Just be mindful of cooking it fully and adjust seasoning if needed since turkey has a milder taste.
What can I substitute for beef broth if I don’t have any?
If beef broth isn’t on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a different but still tasty flavor base. Just keep the seasoning balanced by tasting before adding soy sauce or salt.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free or tamari version, and ensure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free. This will keep the integrity of the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe intact without gluten worries.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce more, add a little extra cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in cold water) gradually until the desired consistency is reached. To thin it out, add small amounts of broth or water as you heat the stir-fry, stirring to combine.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms would all be great additions that enhance the texture and nutrition. Just add them to the stir-fry timing accordingly so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful blend of simple ingredients coming together in a quick yet incredibly flavorful meal that feels both nourishing and exciting. Give it a try, and soon it might earn a coveted spot in your regular dinner rotation, especially when you need that perfect balance of wholesome, tasty, and fast.
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
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender steamed broccoli with savory ground beef in a rich soy and ginger sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it an ideal weeknight dinner served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup beef broth
- â…“ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Serving
- Rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
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 yet still crisp. 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 until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute to release the garlic aroma, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef and onions cook, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Combine and Thicken: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir continuously, sautéing until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef and broccoli mixture hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Steaming broccoli retains its bright color and crunchiness.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying the brown sugar or soy sauce amounts to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
