If you’re on the lookout for a quick, satisfying meal bursting with flavor and nutrition, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances tender, savory ground beef with crunchy, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a luscious, umami-packed sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner, this dish comes together easily and promises a delicious, well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something important to the table—from the rich savoriness of ground beef to the fresh crispness of broccoli, combined with a harmonious blend of sauces and aromatics that tie the whole dish together.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a juicy base to absorb all the flavors.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a crisp texture and vibrant color, plus a dose of freshness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers salty depth and enhances umami in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a sweet-savory richness that amps up the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Intensifies aroma and adds a subtle spicy warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it gives a mild, fruity base for cooking the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts gentle heat and a fragrant note to balance the savory tones.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Provides a savory liquid for steaming broccoli and blending the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thicken the sauce nicely so it clings to the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: A few drops add an irresistible nutty aroma to finish the dish.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps steam the broccoli perfectly tender with just the right bite.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet and Cook the Beef
Start by warming a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot enough to sizzle the beef when it hits the pan. Introduce the ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart. Stir occasionally as the beef browns evenly, which usually takes about five to seven minutes. This step builds the savory foundation that carries the whole dish.
Step 2: Prepare and Steam the Broccoli
While your beef browns to a delicious golden color, rinse the broccoli and chop it into bite-sized florets. Remove the fully cooked beef with a slotted spoon but leave the drippings behind in the skillet for extra flavor. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for just 30 seconds until you smell that incredible aroma. Toss in the broccoli florets and give everything a gentle stir before pouring in the beef broth and water. Cover with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam gently until tender yet crisp, around five to seven minutes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. Once the broccoli is just right, return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Pour your sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, tossing to coat every bite. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for two to three minutes, thickening and melding the flavors beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—this step ensures your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe tastes just how you like it.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top offers that perfect final flourish. These garnishes bring a bit of crunch, brightness, and extra visual appeal, elevating your plate from everyday to special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, which soak up every bit of the saucy goodness. You can also try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist that still complements the rich flavors of the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve this stir-fry in bowls topped with a handful of crunchy fried shallots. If you’re feeling inventive, try stuffing it into lettuce wraps or layering it over a bed of roasted vegetables for a colorful, hearty meal that feels fresh and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stir-fry to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect last-minute lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture of the broccoli intact as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. Alternatively, use the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, to ensure it heats evenly without overcooking the broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef is great for its quick cooking and texture, you can swap it for thinly sliced beef strips if you prefer a more classic stir-fry feel. Just adjust the cooking time so the beef stays tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring the oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. These small swaps keep all the flavor with none of the gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking the garlic and broccoli. This gives the dish a nice kick while keeping the savory balance intact.
Can I add other vegetables to the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just add them in with the broccoli or adjust timing to cook each vegetable perfectly.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch mixed into the sauce is key for thickness. Make sure to dissolve it well before adding, and simmer the sauce just long enough to reach a glossy, clingy consistency without making it too gloopy.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is a true kitchen hero—a simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious meal that never fails to satisfy. Its perfect blend of savory, fresh, and slightly sweet flavors make it a go-to for busy cooks who want homemade comfort on the table fast. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and rewarding making this classic dish can be!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli florets in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it features a perfect balance of protein and vegetables and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauces and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to become hot enough for cooking.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare broccoli: While the beef cooks, rinse and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Remove beef: Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove ground beef from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to mix with the garlic.
- Steam broccoli: Pour in beef broth and water, cover the skillet with a lid, and steam broccoli for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Combine beef and broccoli: Return browned ground beef to the skillet once broccoli is cooked.
- Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more soy sauce or black pepper if desired for seasoning balance.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat once sauce is thickened and serve the ground beef and broccoli hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- To increase veggies, add sliced carrots or bell peppers along with broccoli.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
