If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with savory flavor and comes together in just under half an hour, let me introduce you to my absolute go-to: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. This dish blends juicy ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli and a glossy, ginger-soy sauce that clings to every bite. It manages to be wholesome, satisfying, and deeply comforting—like the best takeout night you’ve ever had, but even fresher and faster. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is bound to become your new dinner hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor, color, and texture that make the finished dish sing. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make everything taste extra special.
- Ground beef: Opt for 80% or 85% lean so you get plenty of flavor without too much grease; ground turkey or chicken works too.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying, giving your beef a good sear without smoking up the kitchen.
- Broccoli florets: Cut them into bite-sized, even pieces for quick cooking and pretty green pops in your bowl.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp—freshly minced garlic brings unbeatable aroma and zing to the stir fry.
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Adds deep umami notes and helps balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: This ingredient is the sweet-and-savory secret weapon that gives the sauce its glossy finish.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch softens the edges of the soy and hoisin and ties the sauce together.
- Cornstarch: Whisked into the sauce, it gives the right amount of thickness when the heat is on.
- Water: Keeps the sauce from being too overpowering, letting the flavors mingle softly.
- Sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for lovely, nutty depth; a little goes a long way.
- Ground ginger: For a gentle zing that brightens the whole dish; fresh ginger works if you want an even stronger hit.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balance and enhance; taste at the end to make sure you’re right where you want to be.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional): These garnishes add extra crunch and a splash of freshness to each serving.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Together
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and ground ginger. This magical mixture transforms into a luscious sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just thick enough to coat every bit of beef and broccoli. Set it aside while you prep the rest—that way, it’s ready to go when you need it and the cornstarch won’t clump.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as you go, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. If there’s a lot of extra grease, drain some off—you want each bite to taste rich, not greasy. Then, toss in the garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until you catch that irresistible, fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Toss the broccoli florets right into the pan with the beef and garlic. Stir-fry everything for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the broccoli takes on a vibrant green color and starts to get crisp-tender. If you like your broccoli on the softer side, you can steam or microwave it briefly first, or simply cook it a minute or two longer in the pan.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Pour your prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well so everything is coated. Once well combined, cover your skillet and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. As the mixture simmers, the sauce thickens and clings lovingly to the meat and veggies. Be sure to taste before serving, adjusting with salt and pepper if you wish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the hot Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry over steamed rice, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for bonus flavor and crunch. Serve immediately to soak up every saucy, savory bite.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
A generous scatter of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions are my go-to finishing touches for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. They add both visual appeal and a satisfying pop of flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha on top for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
White rice is the gold standard, soaking up that glossy, umami-packed sauce, but jasmine or brown rice works just as well. Feeling adventurous? Try serving your stir fry alongside quick-pickled cucumbers or even a simple miso soup for a full Asian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, pile your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a crunchy, fresh, low-carb option. Or, toss the mixture with cooked ramen or soba noodles for a comforting noodle bowl that can’t be beat. You can even use the leftovers as a filling for savory wraps or bao-style buns—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, which makes the leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. To maximize the texture, try not to overcook the broccoli before freezing; it softens a bit when reheated but still tastes wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also pop a serving in the microwave in a loosely covered bowl, stirring halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Just be sure not to overdo it, so the broccoli stays bright and the beef doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic in this recipe, soaking up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can even use plant-based ground meat alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
No worries—if you’re out of hoisin, a mix of extra soy sauce, a touch more brown sugar, and a spoonful of peanut butter or teriyaki sauce makes a tasty stand-in for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. The sauce will lose a little of that signature sweetness, but still tastes wonderful.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works in a pinch. Just add it directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender-crisp. The texture might be slightly softer than fresh, but for a quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, it’s a total win.
Is this dish very spicy?
Not at all! The base recipe is mild, letting the savory and slightly sweet flavors shine. If you do want more heat, go ahead and add chili flakes or a squirt of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I meal prep this stir fry in advance?
Definitely. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch, portion it out with some rice or your favorite grain, and store in individual containers. It holds up well in the fridge for several days and tastes just as good reheated.
Final Thoughts
Ready to shake up your dinner routine? Give this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry a spot at your table! It’s quick, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—just the way a weeknight favorite should be. I hope you love every savory bite as much as I do!
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender beef and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory sauce, served over steamed rice, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Other Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and sauce thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can steam or microwave the broccoli briefly before adding for softer texture.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- This dish is great for meal prep.
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