When life gets busy and you need a wholesome meal on the table in less than 30 minutes, stir-fry recipes come to the rescue. Among all the options, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry stands out as one of the easiest, most budget-friendly, and flavor-packed dinners you can make.
This recipe combines tender-crisp broccoli, juicy ground beef, and a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of garlic and ginger. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly dish that requires minimal prep work and only one pan, making cleanup just as easy as cooking.
Unlike the traditional beef and broccoli recipe, which uses thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin, this version calls for ground beef—a versatile, affordable protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice, this stir fry makes a balanced, comforting meal any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Done in 30 minutes with minimal chopping.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more convenience.
- Family-Approved: Kid-friendly flavors with room to spice it up for adults.
- Customizable: Easily swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu.
- Nutrient-Packed: A great balance of protein, veggies, and whole grains.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need for this stir fry. These are common pantry staples, and I’ll also include substitution ideas to fit your preferences.
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef (85–90%) for the best balance of flavor and less grease.
- 3 cups broccoli florets – Fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed and dried.
- 1 yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – For color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil – Peanut oil adds authentic flavor, but olive or avocado oil works too.
- Salt and white pepper, to taste – White pepper gives a milder heat; black pepper can be substituted.
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth – Or chicken/vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – Use low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the savory flavors. Can be reduced for less sweetness.
- 1–2 tablespoons honey – Adds a glossy finish and natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is always best.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Freshly grated ginger can also be used.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Adds a nutty, aromatic finish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water – For thickening the sauce.
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice – Jasmine, long-grain white, or brown rice.
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chili flakes, or chopped peanuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make restaurant-quality stir fry at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well.
💡 Pro Tip: Always dissolve cornstarch in cold water before adding it to hot liquids—this prevents clumps.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should stay vibrant and crunchy to balance the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and onions.
- Season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- Cook on medium-high heat until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add red bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the beef sear for 1–2 minutes before stirring. This caramelizes the meat and boosts flavor.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer longer until reduced.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return broccoli to the skillet and stir to coat everything in sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and let it cook for another minute.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this stir fry is its versatility. You can keep it simple with rice or elevate it with additional sides. Here are some delicious ideas:
Rice & Noodle Pairings
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Classic, fluffy, and lightly fragrant.
- Brown Rice – Adds a nutty taste and extra fiber.
- Cauliflower Rice – Perfect for a low-carb or keto meal.
- Garlic Noodles – Chewy noodles tossed in garlic butter pair beautifully with the sauce.
- Fried Rice – Use leftover rice for a double comfort-food meal.
Vegetable-Based Sides
- Asian Slaw – Crisp and tangy, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Stir-Fried Green Beans – Adds freshness and crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy and caramelized with soy glaze.
- Steamed Bok Choy – Mild, tender greens that complement the dish.
Appetizers & Small Bites
- Egg Drop Soup – Light and comforting.
- Spring Rolls – Crispy or fresh, both are great starters.
- Dumplings – Pan-fried or steamed, they round out the meal.
- Edamame – Lightly salted, protein-packed, and easy to prepare.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some creative ways to switch it up:
- Spicy Version – Add chili flakes, sriracha, or Thai chili paste for heat.
- Low-Sugar Option – Reduce or skip honey and brown sugar; add a splash of rice vinegar for balance.
- Vegetable Boost – Add carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
- Protein Swaps – Use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Umami Upgrade – A teaspoon of oyster sauce or fish sauce deepens the flavor.
- Crunch Factor – Garnish with chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy chow mein noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple stir fry recipes can go wrong. Here’s what to watch for:
- Overcooking Broccoli – It should stay crisp, not mushy. Remove it early and re-add at the end.
- Skipping Cornstarch Slurry – Without it, the sauce won’t cling to the beef and broccoli.
- Using Too Much Sugar – Balance sweetness with salty or tangy elements.
- Overcrowding the Pan – Causes steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if needed.
- Not Draining Grease – Especially with higher-fat beef, drain excess oil for a cleaner flavor.
- Adding All Vegetables at Once – Different veggies cook at different speeds. Add in stages.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Prep Before Cooking: Stir frying is fast—have all ingredients ready.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best punch.
- Hot Pan, Quick Cooking: A hot wok/skillet gives authentic flavor and prevents soggy veggies.
- Taste & Adjust Sauce: Add soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or rice vinegar for brightness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store portions with rice in containers for easy lunches.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Store rice separately for best texture.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of broth or water until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values (without rice):
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
👉 With rice, calories increase depending on portion size. Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients, while cauliflower rice keeps it lighter.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Skip sugar and honey; use monk fruit or erythritol sweetener, serve with cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or soy crumbles; use veggie broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so reduce cooking time.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It’s excellent for meal prep. Store in portions with rice for quick grab-and-go lunches.
3. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch works as substitutes. Flour can be used but gives a slightly cloudy sauce.
4. Can I make this without sugar?
Yes. Simply omit the sugar and honey, or use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
5. What’s the best rice for stir fry?
Jasmine rice is traditional, but long-grain white or brown rice also work well. For low-carb, use cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pan or cook the beef and veggies in batches to prevent overcrowding.
7. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a squeeze of sriracha for heat.
8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the sweet-savory sauce. For picky eaters, cut broccoli smaller or use milder veggies like carrots.
Step-by-Step Recap Recipe Card
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
A quick and flavorful 30-minute dinner featuring tender broccoli, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect over rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp oil (peanut, olive, or avocado)
- Salt & white pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1–2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch with cold water. In another bowl, combine broth, soy sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Heat oil in skillet. Cook broccoli for 4–5 minutes until bright green, remove and set aside.
- In same pan, cook beef and onion until browned. Drain grease. Add bell pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in sauce, bring to boil, simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Add broccoli back in, toss to coat. Serve hot over rice with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Add extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms.
- For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- For spicier flavor, add chili flakes or sriracha.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a recipe that combines affordability, nutrition, and bold flavors into one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a homemade takeout-style meal, this dish delivers every time.
With tender-crisp broccoli, juicy ground beef, and a balanced garlic-ginger sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that you’ll keep in your weekly rotation. Customize it to your taste, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a wholesome dinner in just 30 minutes.
