This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a wholesome and comforting dish that brings together the richness of well-seasoned beef with the freshness of crisp-tender broccoli. The sauce is a delectable balance of soy, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness that clings beautifully to each bite. It’s a skillet dinner that’s quick to make but big on flavor, making it a go-to for weeknights when you need a reliable recipe the whole family will enjoy. What makes this dish truly special is how accessible and adaptable it is. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need something satisfying in under 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers every time. You can serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles, and easily double the batch for leftovers. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to broccoli in a tasty, saucy format they’ll love.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
3 cups broccoli florets
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
1/4 cup beef broth
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
-
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
-
Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Set aside.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
-
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Stir in broccoli and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender and the sauce thickens.
-
Serve over hot cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Flavorful Origins of Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry draws inspiration from the classic Chinese-American dish “Beef and Broccoli,” which is traditionally made with flank steak or sirloin and served in a savory soy-based sauce. Over time, cooks began simplifying the recipe using ground beef instead, making it more affordable, faster to prepare, and ideal for busy households. While not a traditional Chinese dish, this version is a beautiful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and American practicality, creating a meal that satisfies both taste and time constraints.
Why This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Works
This dish is a masterclass in balance—salty soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, nutty sesame oil, and spicy red pepper flakes create a dynamic flavor profile. The use of ground beef makes it incredibly quick to cook, perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute dinners. It also requires minimal chopping and only one pan, keeping cleanup to a minimum. Plus, the rich flavor of the beef combined with the crisp-tender broccoli ensures every bite is hearty, satisfying, and packed with umami.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible
One of the standout benefits of this recipe is how budget-conscious it is. Ground beef is typically less expensive than steak cuts, and broccoli is an accessible, affordable vegetable in most grocery stores. With pantry staples like soy sauce and garlic already on hand in many kitchens, this dish keeps grocery bills low while still offering high-impact flavor. It’s also easy to double or triple the recipe for larger families or meal prep sessions.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for those who like to plan their meals in advance. The sauce continues to absorb into the beef and broccoli over time, intensifying the flavor. Whether packed into lunch boxes or portioned for busy weeknights, it’s a make-ahead winner that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Customizable for Any Diet
Another major benefit of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Watching carbs? Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Need to avoid gluten? Simply switch the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking method. The versatility makes this recipe a staple for any dietary preference or household need.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is often referred to as a superfood for good reason. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, folate, and antioxidants. When lightly cooked, it retains its crunch and nutritional value, making it a fantastic pairing with rich protein sources like ground beef. The inclusion of broccoli also adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the savory meat, boosting the meal’s overall health quotient.
Balanced Macronutrients for Energy
This dish is well-balanced in terms of macronutrients, making it excellent for those seeking a wholesome and nourishing meal. The protein from the ground beef helps with satiety and muscle repair, the fiber and vitamins in the broccoli aid digestion and immunity, and the sauce provides just enough fat and carbs to make the dish satisfying and energizing. Paired with rice or a low-carb base, it’s suitable for lunch, dinner, or post-workout recovery.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
Kids love the sweet and savory notes of the sauce, and the texture of ground beef is usually more palatable for picky eaters than tougher cuts of meat. Broccoli soaks up the garlicky sauce, making it more appealing for children and veggie-skeptical adults alike. You can even get kids involved in preparing the dish—teaching them how to whisk the sauce or stir the beef helps build kitchen confidence while making mealtime more fun.
Why It Beats Takeout
Ordering takeout might seem convenient, but this homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli is faster than delivery, healthier, and much more affordable. You get to control the ingredients, ensuring there’s less sodium, no MSG (unless you want it), and no mystery oils. Plus, it’s cooked fresh in your own kitchen with real ingredients, delivering maximum flavor with peace of mind.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
For the best results, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning your ground beef—this ensures it gets a good sear rather than steaming. Choose fresh broccoli for a crisp-tender finish, or opt for frozen florets if you’re in a pinch (just thaw and drain them well). Let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes to activate the cornstarch, which helps thicken it into that irresistible glossy coating you want in a stir-fry. Finally, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
Creative Serving Suggestions
While it’s commonly served over steamed white rice, this dish pairs just as well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. For a low-carb version, try cauliflower rice or steamed bok choy. It also makes an excellent filling for lettuce wraps or meal prep bowls with pickled veggies and a soft-boiled egg on top. Add chili crisp or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it spicy.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry isn’t just a quick and easy dinner—it’s a reliable, adaptable, and flavorful meal that deserves a spot in every home cook’s weekly rotation. With its budget-friendly ingredients, bold Asian-inspired sauce, and nutritional balance, it delivers everything you need in a satisfying home-cooked dish. Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family, meal prep for the week, or simply treat yourself to something delicious and nourishing, this stir-fry has you covered.
