The beauty of this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry lies in its simplicity and bold flavor. This dish combines the richness of seasoned ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a garlicky soy-based sauce that thickens to glossy perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together in a flash, yet tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Asian takeout spot.
Ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunch preps, this stir fry proves that wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated. Serve it over fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles, and you’ve got a filling, protein-packed meal that hits every savory craving. Plus, it’s customizable—add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for an extra veggie boost!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooked white rice or noodles, for serving
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Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin and Popularity of Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delicious twist on the classic Chinese-American dish “Beef and Broccoli.” Traditionally made with slices of flank steak, this variation uses ground beef, making it more accessible, budget-friendly, and quicker to prepare without sacrificing flavor. The stir fry technique, rooted in Chinese cooking, involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while retaining their texture and vibrant color.
This dish has become a household favorite due to its perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors from the soy sauce-based sauce combined with tender beef and crisp broccoli. It’s a go-to meal for busy families and individuals looking for something hearty, satisfying, and nutritious with minimal fuss.
Why Use Ground Beef?
Ground beef is a versatile and economical protein choice that adapts well to many recipes, especially stir fries. It cooks faster than steak cuts, allowing the dish to be prepared in under 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners or quick lunches. Additionally, ground beef has excellent flavor absorption, meaning it readily takes on the sauce’s garlicky and savory notes, making every bite flavorful.
From a nutritional standpoint, ground beef provides a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy and overall health. Opting for lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter while maintaining rich taste and texture. For those who prefer a different protein, ground turkey or plant-based ground substitutes can also be used to keep the recipe adaptable to various dietary needs.
The Role of Broccoli in the Dish
Broccoli is more than just a vegetable filler in this stir fry—it plays a critical role in balancing the rich meatiness of the beef with its fresh, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense choice that boosts the health quotient of the meal.
When cooked just right, broccoli florets retain a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender ground beef. The quick sauté technique in the recipe helps preserve the bright green color and crisp texture, enhancing both the appearance and mouthfeel of the dish. For those looking to increase vegetable intake, broccoli is a fantastic choice that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
The Sauce: Flavorful Glue that Binds Everything Together
The sauce in Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the star ingredient that brings all components into harmony. A blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil creates a savory-sweet umami flavor profile. The soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while the brown sugar balances it with subtle sweetness. Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor, and sesame oil introduces a nutty aroma that’s characteristic of many Asian dishes.
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy texture that coats the beef and broccoli perfectly. This sticky sauce ensures every bite bursts with flavor. For heat lovers, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to provide a gentle kick, elevating the dish further.
Quick and Easy Cooking Technique
One of the biggest advantages of this stir fry recipe is its simplicity and speed. The entire meal can be cooked in a single skillet or wok, making cleanup easy. Browning the ground beef first ensures it develops rich flavor through caramelization, while adding the broccoli later preserves its crunch.
The use of a cornstarch slurry in the sauce helps achieve that signature thickened coating common to stir fry dishes, rather than a watery broth. This technique is crucial for texture and presentation, making the dish look restaurant-quality.
Versatility and Customization
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is incredibly adaptable. While the base ingredients are simple, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or pantry staples. Adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots can boost the vegetable content and introduce new flavors and textures. You can also swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
To make the dish spicier, consider adding fresh ginger or chili garlic sauce. Alternatively, for a milder version, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Serving options are also flexible—this stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Ground beef supplies protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance, while broccoli provides fiber that supports digestion and a feeling of fullness. The sauce, although containing sugar, is used sparingly to avoid excess calories while still delivering big flavor.
For health-conscious eaters, using lean beef and controlling the amount of oil and sugar can make this dish a nutritious part of a well-rounded diet. Adding more vegetables further increases its fiber and antioxidant content.
Meal Prep and Family-Friendly Appeal
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is ideal for meal prepping because it holds up well when refrigerated and reheated. You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The dish is also family-friendly, appealing to kids and adults alike due to its familiar flavors and satisfying texture.
For families with picky eaters, hiding extra veggies in the stir fry is an excellent way to increase vegetable intake without resistance. It’s a convenient way to serve a home-cooked meal that feels indulgent but is wholesome.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a timeless recipe that brings together convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one delicious plate. Its roots in traditional stir fry techniques paired with the accessibility of ground beef make it a practical choice for busy home cooks. The vibrant broccoli balances the richness of the beef, and the perfectly seasoned sauce elevates the dish to a satisfying comfort food that’s also wholesome.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving a quick and tasty dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. Its versatility invites creativity, allowing you to adapt and customize according to your taste or what’s available in your kitchen. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry proves that simple ingredients, when cooked with care and the right flavors, can transform into an unforgettable meal.