Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
I’ll be honest—there are days when I want a homemade dinner that feels comforting, flavorful, and a little indulgent… but I have absolutely no desire to spend more than 30 minutes in the kitchen. That’s exactly how this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe became one of my go-to weeknight meals.
A few years ago, I found myself staring at a pack of ground beef and a head of broccoli, wondering what I could make besides tacos or steamed veggies. I threw them together in a pan with some soy sauce, garlic, and a few other staples, and to my surprise, it tasted like the kind of takeout I actually look forward to. Since then, I’ve refined this recipe into a savory, slightly sweet, perfectly balanced stir fry that satisfies every craving with minimal effort.
If you love meals that are quick, budget-friendly, nutritious, and packed with bold flavor, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is going to become a staple in your home too.
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef — 80/20 gives the most flavor, but any lean percentage works
- 4 cups broccoli florets — fresh or frozen
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil — optional but adds great flavor
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil — avocado, vegetable, or olive oil
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- A squeeze of lime
- Chili crisp for extra heat
How to Prepare Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe comes together quickly, so it’s best to prep your ingredients before turning on the stove.
1. Prepare the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, chop it into small-to-medium florets.
If using frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw slightly or rinse under warm water to separate the pieces.
Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil, then add the ground beef.
Break the meat apart as it cooks. When it begins to brown, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Aromatics
Stir in diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
- rice vinegar
- brown sugar
- beef broth
- red pepper flakes
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture.
5. Combine and Stir Fry
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and onions. Stir well and let it simmer until slightly thickened—about 2 minutes.
Add the broccoli and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Drizzle with sesame oil at the very end for deeper flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Cook another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve immediately with your favorite sides (see below!).
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is extremely versatile, and you can serve it in countless ways depending on your dietary needs or cravings.
1. Classic White Rice
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the perfect bed for this saucy, savory stir fry.
2. Brown Rice
A heartier, more nutritious option that pairs beautifully with bold sauces.
3. Noodles
Try:
- Lo mein
- Rice noodles
- Udon
- Soba
Just toss the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and broccoli.
4. Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Option)
A great choice for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.
5. Lettuce Wraps
Serve in romaine or butter lettuce cups for a crunchy, refreshing option.
6. Over Mashed Potatoes
A surprisingly delicious comfort-food twist.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
For bright green, crisp-tender broccoli, blanch or steam it first. This prevents mushiness.
2. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger
The flavor difference is significant. If you only have dried, use about half the amount.
3. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
- Add more broth for a thinner sauce
- Increase soy sauce for saltiness
- Add honey for more sweetness
- Increase red pepper flakes for heat
4. Use a Hot Pan
A hotter pan gives the meat a better sear and prevents steaming.
5. Make a Double Batch
This reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for meal prep.
6. Add Veggies to Stretch the Meal
Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, cabbage, mushrooms, and zucchini all work well.
Variations
1. Spicy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Add:
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon chili oil
- More red pepper flakes
2. Low-Carb/Keto Version
Swap the brown sugar for:
- 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
Serve over: - cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
3. Teriyaki Style
Replace brown sugar with honey and add:
- 1 extra tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 extra teaspoon sesame oil
- A splash of pineapple juice
4. Vegetarian Version
Swap ground beef for:
- Crumbled tofu
- Plant-based ground
- Mushrooms and walnuts
5. Extra Savory Version
Add:
- 1 tablespoon hoisin
- A splash of fish sauce
- Fried shallots on top
6. One-Pot Noodle Stir Fry
Cook rice noodles directly in the sauce for a thicker, noodle-packed version.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw it enough to separate the florets. You may need to cook off excess water in the pan.
2. Can I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using:
- Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
- Gluten-free oyster sauce (optional)
3. How long does it last in the fridge?
This stir fry keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in portion sizes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or a pan.
5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey works beautifully for a lighter version. You may want to add a splash more soy sauce for flavor.
6. The sauce seems too thick—what do I do?
Add a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. The sauce seems too thin—how do I thicken it?
Simmer a little longer, or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a teaspoon of water.
8. What’s the best cut of ground beef?
80/20 has the most flavor. Leaner beef works too but may require extra seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one of those magical recipes that checks every box: quick, healthy, comforting, budget-friendly, and incredibly tasty. It’s the kind of meal that rescues busy weeknights and satisfies your craving for something savory and satisfying.
What I love most is how easy it is to customize—whether you want extra spice, more veggies, a healthier twist, or a heartier noodle base, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe adapts effortlessly. Once you try it, you’ll start making your own versions too, and it’ll quickly become a regular part of your meal rotation.
If you’re searching for a simple dinner that tastes better than takeout and comes together in under 30 minutes, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is your answer. Give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal.