There’s something magical about recipes that combine simplicity, flavor, and comfort all in one dish. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is exactly that—easy to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and hearty enough to leave everyone at the table satisfied. It’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Growing up, quick stir-fries like this were a regular part of my family’s dinner rotation. The rhythmic sound of vegetables sizzling in the pan, the aroma of garlic filling the house, and the satisfying sizzle when the sauce hits the hot skillet always felt like a promise: dinner was going to be good. Dishes like this have a unique way of being simple and special at the same time—each bite delivers a mix of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s rooted in traditional Asian-inspired stir-fries but leaves plenty of room for customization. Whether you serve it over steamed white rice, fluffy brown rice, or even noodles, it adapts beautifully. It’s also one of those meals that you can whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a lifesaver on nights when you don’t have the energy for complicated meals but still want something nourishing. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without complaints from picky eaters. Ground beef and broccoli, sautéed to perfection and enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of ground beef, broccoli, and a slightly sweet-savory sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything comes together in a single skillet.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the protein based on what you have on hand.
- Balanced and Nutritious: This dish offers protein, veggies, and flavor in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Broccoli: 3-4 cups, chopped into small florets
- Ground Beef: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean works best)
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, the base for the sauce
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, to add a touch of sweetness
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons, for a rich, nutty flavor
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, for warmth and depth
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the broccoli
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, for a little kick (optional)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 8-10 cranks, for extra seasoning
- Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a burst of color and crunch
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli
Start by prepping the broccoli into small, uniform florets. This ensures that they cook evenly and maintain that lovely tender-crisp texture. If the broccoli is too large, it may remain too firm; too small, and it can get mushy. - Sauté the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the broccoli. Sauté the florets for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. You want them to still have some bite. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.Tip: If you prefer your broccoli a little softer, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it for 1 minute to steam.
- Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook the beef over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.Note: If the ground beef releases excess grease, drain it carefully to keep the dish light and flavorful.
- Make the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This simple combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. - Combine Everything
Once the ground beef is fully browned, pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir everything well to coat the beef in the sauce, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats. - Add the Broccoli
Return the broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until the broccoli is well-coated in the sauce and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more soy sauce for saltiness, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or more pepper flakes for heat. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the ground beef and broccoli hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Helpful Tips
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: Using 90% lean ground beef ensures the dish doesn’t become overly greasy. If using a fattier cut, drain off the excess fat before adding the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Sauté just until it’s tender-crisp to maintain its texture and vibrant color.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re serving this over rice or noodles, consider doubling the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to make this even more colorful and nutritious.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep the broccoli and sauce in advance for an even faster meal.
- Double the Sauce: If serving over rice or noodles, double the sauce for extra flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Customizable: Add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for variety.
- Garnish: Top with sesame seeds or green onions for added texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ground beef and broccoli for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives and still pair beautifully with the sauce.
What can I serve with this dish?
This stir-fry pairs perfectly with white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Cauliflower rice is also a great option for a low-carb alternative.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s simple, delicious, and packed with flavor, proving that homemade meals don’t need to be complicated to be satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or whipping up a quick meal for yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how easy it is to bring this flavorful classic to your table!
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Description
There’s something magical about recipes that combine simplicity, flavor, and comfort all in one dish. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is exactly that—easy to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and hearty enough to leave everyone at the table satisfied. It’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Growing up, quick stir-fries like this were a regular part of my family’s dinner rotation. The rhythmic sound of vegetables sizzling in the pan, the aroma of garlic filling the house, and the satisfying sizzle when the sauce hits the hot skillet always felt like a promise: dinner was going to be good. Dishes like this have a unique way of being simple and special at the same time—each bite delivers a mix of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s rooted in traditional Asian-inspired stir-fries but leaves plenty of room for customization. Whether you serve it over steamed white rice, fluffy brown rice, or even noodles, it adapts beautifully. It’s also one of those meals that you can whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a lifesaver on nights when you don’t have the energy for complicated meals but still want something nourishing. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without complaints from picky eaters. Ground beef and broccoli, sautéed to perfection and enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 3-4 cups, chopped into small florets
- Ground Beef: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean works best)
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, the base for the sauce
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, to add a touch of sweetness
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons, for a rich, nutty flavor
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, for warmth and depth
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the broccoli
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, for a little kick (optional)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 8-10 cranks, for extra seasoning
- Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a burst of color and crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli
Start by prepping the broccoli into small, uniform florets. This ensures that they cook evenly and maintain that lovely tender-crisp texture. If the broccoli is too large, it may remain too firm; too small, and it can get mushy. - Sauté the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the broccoli. Sauté the florets for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. You want them to still have some bite. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.Tip: If you prefer your broccoli a little softer, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it for 1 minute to steam. - Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook the beef over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.Note: If the ground beef releases excess grease, drain it carefully to keep the dish light and flavorful. - Make the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This simple combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. - Combine Everything
Once the ground beef is fully browned, pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir everything well to coat the beef in the sauce, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats. - Add the Broccoli
Return the broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until the broccoli is well-coated in the sauce and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more soy sauce for saltiness, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or more pepper flakes for heat. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the ground beef and broccoli hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep the broccoli and sauce in advance for an even faster meal.
- Double the Sauce: If serving over rice or noodles, double the sauce for extra flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Customizable: Add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for variety.
- Garnish: Top with sesame seeds or green onions for added texture and flavor.
