Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a simple, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and healthy. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a weeknight dinner hero—quick to make, bursting with bold flavors, and packed with protein and veggies. A modern twist on a takeout favorite, this dish brings all the comfort and richness of beef and broccoli without the need for deep frying or complicated steps. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe promises delicious results every single time.

What makes this stir fry truly shine is its balance of sweet and savory from a soy sauce and honey base, a hint of aromatic garlic and ginger, and the nutty touch of sesame oil. Using ground beef not only speeds up the cooking time but also makes it easier to incorporate into the sauce, coating every bite with flavor. Served over fluffy rice or low-carb cauliflower rice, it’s adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. In under 30 minutes, you can serve up a meal that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite Asian bistro—all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
2. Healthy and Balanced – Includes protein, fiber-rich veggies, and can be made low-carb.
3. Customizable – Easily adaptable to different dietary needs (gluten-free, keto, etc.).
4. Better Than Takeout – Fresh, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients.
5. Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults thanks to its familiar flavors.

Ingredients

• Reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
• Honey
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Broccoli
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Scallions
• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional)

Variations

• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the honey or substitute with a keto-friendly sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure tamari is used instead of soy sauce and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, shredded carrots, or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Add the blanched broccoli florets and toss to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 7

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Blanch the broccoli briefly to retain its bright color and crisp-tender texture.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor boost.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s key for thickening the sauce.
• Adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste by varying the amount of honey or soy sauce.
• Pre-chop your vegetables and aromatics to streamline cooking time.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. It also pairs well with a light cucumber salad or simple miso soup to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked beef and broccoli mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments or warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the dish.

2. What kind of ground beef should I use?

93% lean ground beef works best for a balance of flavor and lower fat content.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely, ground chicken or turkey are great lean alternatives.

5. How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap in a plant-based ground meat and boost the veggies.

6. Do I need to blanch the broccoli?

Blanching helps preserve its bright green color and makes it more tender, but you can skip it if short on time.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats very well, making it great for meal prep.

8. What can I serve with it besides rice?

Try quinoa, noodles, or even a green salad on the side.

9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors and familiar ingredients are usually a hit with kids.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Versatile and customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again—whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of homemade takeout with this go-to dinner favorite.

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