I love using ground beef for stir fry because it cooks quickly, it’s budget-friendly, and I don’t have to slice steak or marinate anything ahead of time. It still gives you that cozy beef-and-broccoli flavor, but in a much easier weeknight version.
This is also a great high-protein dinner that works for the whole family. Serve it over rice for a classic takeout-style bowl, spoon it over noodles, or keep it lighter with cauliflower rice. The leftovers reheat really well too, so it’s perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Why I Make This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- It saves dinner on busy nights – Ground beef cooks so fast, and I don’t have to think too much. Brown the beef, add the sauce and vegetables, and dinner is basically done.
- It tastes like takeout, but easier – The sauce is savory, a little sweet, and glossy, and it makes the beef and broccoli taste so good without needing a long list of ingredients.
- High-protein and filling – This is the kind of meal that actually keeps us full, especially served over rice or noodles.
- No fancy ingredients – I usually have ground beef, broccoli, soy sauce, honey, and broth already, so this is one of those easy “what can I make tonight?” dinners.
- Great for leftovers – It reheats really well, which makes it perfect for lunch the next day. I like storing the rice separately so the stir fry keeps the best texture.
- Easy to change for your family – Add more vegetables, make it spicier, use ground turkey instead of beef, or serve it with cauliflower rice if you want something lighter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry. The ingredients are simple, but together they make the best quick weeknight dinner.
- Ground beef – This is what makes the recipe so fast. I like using lean ground beef, but 85/15 or 90/10 both work well. If you use 80/20, just drain some of the grease after browning so the sauce doesn’t feel heavy.
- Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli gives the best crisp-tender texture. Cut the florets small enough so they cook quickly and evenly. Frozen broccoli can work too, but thaw it first and pat it dry so the sauce doesn’t turn watery.
- Red bell pepper – I love the color and sweetness it adds. Any bell pepper works, or you can swap it with carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini, or whatever vegetables you already have.
- Onion – Onion makes the skillet taste more savory and gives the sauce a little sweetness as it cooks. Yellow, white, or red onion all work.
- Beef broth – This gives the sauce more flavor than water. Chicken broth works too, but beef broth gives the sauce a richer taste.
- Soy sauce – This gives the sauce its salty, savory flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Coconut aminos are usually sweeter and less salty, so taste and adjust if needed.
- Honey – A small amount balances the soy sauce and helps the sauce turn glossy. You can reduce it if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Cornstarch – This thickens the sauce so it coats the beef and vegetables instead of staying thin at the bottom of the pan. Mix it with cold water first so it doesn’t clump.
- Ground ginger – Ginger adds warmth and makes the sauce taste more like a classic stir fry. Fresh grated ginger is even better if you have it, but ground ginger keeps the recipe quick and easy.
- Sesame oil – Add this at the end for that warm, nutty flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This stir fry cooks quickly once the pan is hot, so I like to measure the sauce ingredients and chop the vegetables first. It makes the whole recipe feel much easier, and you’re not trying to find the soy sauce while the beef is already cooking.
Make the cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Set it aside for later.
Always use cold water when mixing cornstarch. If the water is warm or hot, the cornstarch can clump instead of turning smooth.
Cook the ground beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there is too much grease in the pan, drain the excess before moving on.
Build the sauce
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a minute or two so the flavors can come together.
Thicken the sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
The sauce should coat the beef nicely instead of sitting at the bottom of the pan.
Add the vegetables
Stir in the broccoli and red bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still has a little crunch.
If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes before adding it to the skillet.
Finish and serve
Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and stir once more. Serve warm over rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or whatever your family likes.
You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top if you want a little extra texture and color.
Recipe Variations
- Use another protein – Ground turkey, ground chicken, tofu, shrimp, or sliced chicken breast all work.
- Add more vegetables – Mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, zucchini, baby corn, or extra bell peppers are all good here.
- Make it spicy – Add sriracha, chili flakes, chili garlic sauce, or a little fresh ginger.
- Make it gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make it soy-free – Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and adjust the sweetness and salt to taste.
- Make it saucier – Add a little extra broth and soy sauce, then thicken with a small extra spoonful of slurry if needed.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
Meal prep tip: Store the stir fry and rice separately if possible. This keeps the rice from soaking up all the sauce and helps the broccoli keep a better texture.
Troubleshooting Tips
Too salty? Add a splash of water or broth and a small touch of honey to balance the sauce.
Sauce too thin? Stir in a small extra cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy.
Beef not browning? Make sure the pan is hot and don’t overcrowd it. If there is too much liquid or grease, drain some before continuing.
Broccoli too soft? Add it later next time or reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Sauce turned watery? This can happen with frozen broccoli if it wasn’t thawed and dried first. Pat it dry before adding it to the pan.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For Serving
- Cooked Rice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stirring until smooth. Set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the diced onion, then add the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger.
- Stir until well combined and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens for about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss in sliced red bell pepper and broccoli, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and well-coated with the sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Serve the beef and broccoli stir fry over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
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