If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you’re going to love this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It blends tender, savory ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a rich, slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce. This dish is not only a fantastic weeknight staple but also brings a comforting restaurant-quality taste right to your home kitchen without any fuss. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes dinner both easy and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role, from flavor layers to textures and colors, creating a harmonious dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base with satisfying protein and great browning potential.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and a healthy dose of nutrients.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Delivers salty umami depth, crucial for authentic stir-fry flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances salty and savory with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic punch that complements both beef and broccoli.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Brings zesty brightness and a subtle spiciness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Injects a toasty nuttiness that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish.
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry): Mixed with cornstarch to create the perfect thickening agent.
- 3 cups cooked rice (optional, for serving): Makes the meal more filling and a great base to soak up the sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, breaking it up as you go. This step is fundamental because proper browning adds incredible flavor and texture. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep the dish balanced.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
While the beef cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of water in a bowl — this simple sauce packs a big punch of flavor. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create your slurry; this will thicken the sauce into a perfect consistency.
Step 3: Combine Sauce with Beef and Thicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the browned beef and stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch as the sauce thickens magically, clinging to every morsel of ground beef and filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli until Tender-Crisp
While the sauce thickens, steam or microwave the broccoli florets for about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is tender-crisp broccoli that still retains a satisfying bite and vibrant color — this contrast creates a perfect textural balance in your stir-fry.
Step 5: Combine Broccoli and Beef in the Skillet
Finally, stir the cooked broccoli into the skillet with the sauced ground beef. Toss gently to coat every floret with sauce and distribute the beef evenly. Serve your amazing Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe warm over steamed rice, noodles, or even wrapped in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re looking to add an extra touch of flair, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top. They add a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that complements the salty-sweet sauce perfectly. A drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime can brighten things up if you prefer a little heat or acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with noodles if you want to mix it up. A crisp cucumber salad or lightly blanched snap peas make for refreshing sides that contrast the rich beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option that’s perfect for casual dinners and gatherings. For a family-friendly presentation, pile it on top of baked sweet potatoes or inside warm pita pockets. The vibrant colors and aroma make any presentation inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, making your next meal even better. Just ensure the dish is cool before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe for up to 2 months. Pack it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave leftovers covered loosely, stirring once halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the broccoli’s crispness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works really well in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It may produce slightly less fat, so you might want to add a bit more oil to keep the dish juicy.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This switch keeps the savory umami flavor while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare this recipe without cornstarch?
You can skip the cornstarch, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it naturally, simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce, or use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free substitute.
What is the best way to cook the broccoli?
Steaming or microwaving broccoli until it is tender-crisp is ideal. This method retains the bright color and crunch that contrast beautifully with tender beef and silky sauce in the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or sliced carrots are fantastic additions. Just cook them lightly so they maintain their texture and color, enhancing both nutrition and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that bursts with flavor. It’s versatile, satisfying, and a wonderful way to bring fresh ingredients to your table quickly. Give it a try tonight and see how this simple dish becomes your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe combines tender, savory beef with crisp-tender broccoli in a flavorful soy-ginger sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Optional for Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Prepare the Sauce and Slurry: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of water to create the sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and stir to combine. Then add the cornstarch slurry and simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Cook the Broccoli: While the sauce thickens, steam or microwave the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, retaining some crunch for texture.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the steamed broccoli into the skillet with the beef and sauce, mixing well to coat all ingredients. Serve the mixture warm over cooked rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- To add more depth, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh ginger for best flavor, but ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch (use 1/4 teaspoon).
