Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

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This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is the ultimate solution for a fast, delicious, and satisfying meal. Made in just one pan, this dish combines juicy ground beef, crisp tender broccoli, and a rich garlic-ginger sauce that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Whether served over steaming rice or tossed with noodles, this dish is guaranteed to please the whole family.

Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable. Want a bit of heat? Add some Sriracha. Looking for extra crunch? Throw in some bell peppers or carrots. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality stir-fry in the comfort of your own home!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
3-4 cups broccoli florets

1 pound lean ground beef or ground sirloin
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
8-10 cranks freshly ground black pepper
Sesame seeds, optional garnish

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess fat.
While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Pour the sauce over the browned beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return the broccoli to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 292 kcal | Servings: 4

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

When it comes to fast, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry. This dish is a staple in many households because it combines simple ingredients with bold, well balanced flavors. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick dinner or a home cook searching for an easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe, this stir-fry is the perfect choice.

This recipe is inspired by classic Asian flavors, blending the umami richness of soy sauce, the mild sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic warmth of garlic and ginger. The result is a dish that delivers a restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes with minimal effort. Plus, it’s made using only one pan, making cleanup a breeze another reason why it has become a go to recipe for many home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Fast and Easy – From start to finish, this meal takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Convenience – Cooking everything in a single skillet means less mess and an easy cleanup.

Budget-Friendly – Ground beef is an affordable protein, and broccoli is a cost effective vegetable, making this dish both delicious and economical.
Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with protein from beef and fiber-rich broccoli, this meal is a nutritious choice for the whole family.
Highly Customizable – You can swap out ingredients, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your personal taste.

The Secret to a Great Stir-Fry

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few key techniques that elevate the dish to the next level.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli has a crisp texture and a mild sweetness that pairs well with the savory sauce. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but fresh florets will give you the best results.

Brown the Beef Properly: Cooking the ground beef until it’s deeply browned enhances its flavor. Be sure to break it into small crumbles as it cooks to create a nice, even texture.
Balance the Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a balanced sauce that is slightly sweet, savory, and full of umami goodness. Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The broccoli should remain slightly crisp and vibrant green to add texture and freshness to the dish.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli

One of the best things about this stir-fry is how versatile it is when it comes to serving options. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

Steamed Rice: The most classic way to enjoy this dish is over a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

Noodles: If you prefer noodles, try serving this stir-fry over udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works well and keeps the meal light.
Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and crunchy option, spoon the beef and broccoli mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, similar to an Asian-style wrap.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is already flavorful on its own, but you can easily tweak it to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

Protein Swaps

Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Since these meats are leaner, you may want to add a little extra sesame oil to maintain the dish’s richness.

Plant-Based Alternative: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute to create a vegetarian or vegan version.

Vegetable Additions

Adding more vegetables can enhance the nutritional value of the dish and add different textures and colors. Consider including:

Bell Peppers – Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Carrots – Thinly sliced carrots provide a slight crunch and natural sweetness.
Mushrooms – Cremini or shiitake mushrooms add a savory depth of flavor.

Snow Peas – These bring a fresh, crisp bite that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you enjoy a little heat in your stir fry, try one of these options:

Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an extra hint of heat.
Drizzle with spicy sesame oil for both heat and a rich, nutty flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the beef and broccoli mixture for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Health Benefits of Beef and Broccoli

Besides being delicious, this dish offers several nutritional benefits:

Rich in Protein: The ground beef provides a high-quality protein source that supports muscle growth and overall health.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, making it a superfood that promotes immune function and digestion.

Healthy Fats: The sesame oil in the sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy fats, while using lean ground beef keeps the meal balanced.

Why This Dish is a Weeknight Winner

At the end of a long day, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry truly shines. It’s fast, easy, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, it’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Since it’s easy to modify with different proteins, vegetables, and spice levels, you can make this dish over and over without getting bored. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, looking for a budget-friendly meal, or just want something quick and satisfying, this stir-fry is a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavors. It’s a dish that delivers on all fronts speed, taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Whether you enjoy it over rice, noodles, or as a low carb meal, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, give it a go! You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together while delivering a delicious, takeout-style meal at home. And don’t forget feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!