If you’re craving a dish that’s both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors, you’re going to love this Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that brings together tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. What makes this dish truly special is how simple ingredients come together quickly, delivering that perfect balance of texture and flavor that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is essential, contributing color, taste, or texture to make the dish shine. From the bold punch of soy sauce to the fresh zing of ginger and garlic, every element works together harmoniously to create a stir fry that’s anything but ordinary.
- Soy sauce (2/3 cup): Adds a deep, salty umami base that ties everything together beautifully.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the saltiness with a touch of natural sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses the stir fry with a fragrant, savory kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Ginger, grated (1.5 inches): Brings a fresh, slightly spicy warmth to brighten the dish.
- Cornstarch (1.5 tbsp): Thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy, irresistible coating on every ingredient.
- Sesame oil (1/2 tbsp): Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature to great stir fry dishes.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): Offers a subtle heat that lifts the flavor without overwhelming it.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty protein with a juicy, satisfying texture.
- Onion, diced (1/2): Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to contrast the tender beef and broccoli.
- Broccoli, cut into florets (1 head): Brings vibrant green color and fresh crispness that keeps the dish lively.
- Rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): Sprinkled on top for added crunch and a final nutty flourish.
- Scallions, sliced (3): Lend a sharp freshness as a beautiful garnish.
How to Make Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mix will become your savory glaze that perfectly blankets the beef and broccoli with bold, balanced flavor. Making the sauce first means you’ll have everything ready when the cooking heat kicks in.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. The goal here is to brown the beef nicely, developing rich, caramelized bits that make each bite so satisfying. Once cooked through, remove any excess fat for a leaner result.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets and stir fry them until they turn bright green and develop a pleasant crunch—usually around 4-5 minutes. The contrast between the tender beef and crisp broccoli adds great texture to the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked beef and onions to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring well to coat the ingredients thoroughly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks to the beef and veggies beautifully. This step melds all the flavors into one delicious harmony.
How to Serve Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To make your stir fry look and taste extra special, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for an irresistible crunch. Sliced scallions add a burst of freshness and a pop of vibrant color that makes every forkful feel like a treat.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice, but you can also try it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For some additional greens, a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables alongside would brighten the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls topped with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and fresh chili slices for those who enjoy a bit more heat. Alternatively, wrap the stir fry in lettuce leaves for a crunchy, handheld delight that’s fun and fresh!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty if not more so.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes well! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible as stir fries often do best with a quick pan reheat to keep that fresh, just-cooked quality.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will absorb the sauce flavors nicely, though the texture might be slightly different. Adjust seasoning as needed to keep it juicy.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for thickening the sauce. If you have neither, just simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it, but keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth or soy sauce without added meat products to keep it fully plant-based.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that complements the dish without overpowering it. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers.
What’s the best way to cut broccoli for stir fry?
Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets so they cook evenly and quickly. Including some of the tender stem pieces can add great texture, just be sure to peel the thicker skin on the stems for smoothness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels both comforting and exciting in every bite. Once you master this simple yet flavorful stir fry, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your cooking rotation when you want something delicious on the table fast without fuss. Give it a whirl and watch how those ingredients come alive together—happy cooking!
Print
Homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, it’s served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions for an authentic Asian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 inches ginger, grated
- 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Main
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
To Serve
- rice, cooked
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets with the cooked beef and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli stir fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner variation.
- If you like more spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
- Ensure broccoli is not overcooked to keep its crunch and vibrant color.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions before starting the stir fry.
