If you are looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Combining tender, savory ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli in a luscious soy-ginger sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels both nourishing and satisfying. It comes together effortlessly in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights when you want home-cooked goodness without the hassle. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become one of your go-to meals because it delivers that wonderful balance of hearty and fresh in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is essential and contributes a unique element to the final dish. From savory and aromatic to fresh and vibrant, get ready to gather these basics that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: This is the star protein, providing richness and a satisfying texture.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: These bring a bright green color and a wonderful crunch that contrasts the meat.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with pungent warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated: Ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy note that lifts the entire stir fry.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce contributes the salty umami backbone without overwhelming.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: This oil gives a subtle nutty aroma that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry): The slurry thickens the sauce to achieve that silky coating on every bite.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping your broccoli into bite-size florets, and mince the garlic cloves finely. Grate the ginger to release its fragrant oils. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes and allows the meat to develop beautiful caramelized edges, which add tremendous flavor depth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them around for about a minute until their inviting aromas fill your kitchen. This quick sauté infuses the meat with aromatic layers that make each bite irresistible.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Broccoli with Sauce
Introduce the fresh broccoli florets into the skillet along with the low-sodium soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes. The broccoli should turn a bright, inviting green while staying crisp-tender—this adds a wonderful contrast in texture.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring constantly. This will gently thicken the sauce, coating the beef and broccoli in a glossy, luscious glaze that intensifies the overall flavor and gives the dish a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for that fresh pop of color and mild onion zest. Serve the hot stir fry immediately over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete, comforting meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions provides a subtle crunch and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the savory stir fry perfectly. If you want to add color and heat, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully without masking the core flavors.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with plain steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the savory sauce like a dream. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a simple noodle like soba or rice noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the stir fry in shallow bowls topped with a fried egg for extra protein and richness. Or, get a little creative and spoon the mixture into lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy twist that’s perfect for sharing. The vibrant colors and harmonious flavors make this dish a winner at family dinners and casual get-togethers alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that broccoli might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor will still be outstanding when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps restore some of the original sauciness and keeps the beef tender without overcooking the broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just be mindful that it cooks faster and can dry out, so watch it closely during the browning step and consider adding a little extra sesame oil for moisture.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this stir fry?
You can swap the ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Press and marinate them briefly in soy sauce before stir-frying to mimic the savory depth. Adding mushrooms can also boost the umami flavor, making it a delightful vegetarian variation.
How do I make sure the broccoli stays crisp?
To keep broccoli crisp-tender, avoid overcooking during stir-frying. Cook it just until bright green and tender enough to bite through, usually 3 to 4 minutes. You can also blanch the florets briefly in boiling water beforehand for even better texture retention.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the ingredients scale up easily. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure everything gets evenly browned and cooked without steaming. Keeping the heat high and stirring frequently is key to great results.
What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended so the dish isn’t too salty. You can use regular or tamari if you want a gluten-free version. The key is to choose one that has a balanced flavor profile to complement the beef and broccoli without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. Whether you’re a busy professional, a family cook, or someone craving a quick homemade meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a reliable weeknight hero. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how effortless and satisfying a stir fry can be!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a healthy balance of protein and vegetables, perfect to serve over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic and ginger to ensure they release maximum flavor during cooking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring and breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the dish with their aromatic flavors.
- Add Broccoli and Sauces: Stir in the broccoli florets, low-sodium soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring to thicken the sauce slightly, creating a glossy coating on the beef and broccoli.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce for better texture; ensure to stir it in gradually.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the broccoli’s crisp texture and the sauce’s fresh flavor.
- It can be customized with added vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more variety.
