Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed dinner that brings all the bold, savory flavors of classic beef and broccoli stir-fry — but in a simplified, budget-friendly way. Using ground beef instead of steak makes this dish faster to cook, easier to prep, and just as satisfying.
Each bite is filled with tender beef crumbles coated in a rich, slightly sweet, garlicky soy sauce glaze, perfectly balanced by crisp-tender broccoli. Served over fluffy rice or noodles, it’s a 30-minute dinner that feels both comforting and healthy.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights — everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is minimal, and you can easily double it for meal prep. It’s also endlessly customizable, letting you add extra veggies, spice, or even swap the protein. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for an easy takeout-style meal at home, Ground Beef and Broccoli is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Ready in just 25–30 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
- All the flavor of takeout, but healthier and cheaper to make at home.
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup.
- Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully.
- Customizable with extra veggies or spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Vegetables:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon water (for steaming)
For Serving:
- Steamed white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly before starting the beef. Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a plate, and microwave for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Set aside.
(If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well before adding to the skillet.)
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will deepen the flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef.
Step 5: Simmer and thicken
Stir to coat the beef evenly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Add broccoli
Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated in sauce and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) for less grease and cleaner flavor.
- Don’t overcook broccoli — it should remain crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Mix the sauce before adding it to prevent cornstarch clumps.
- Add heat carefully — red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can elevate the flavor.
- For extra flavor, sauté a few chopped onions or bell peppers with the beef.
- Double the sauce if you prefer a more “saucy” stir-fry to soak into rice.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein swaps: Try ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef.
- Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
- Extra veggies: Add carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Spicy version: Add chili paste, gochujang, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Sweet-savory twist: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for more depth.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This dish is versatile and pairs well with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Brown rice or quinoa for a heartier option
- Stir-fried or roasted vegetables
- Asian cucumber salad or sesame slaw
- Pan-fried dumplings or spring rolls for a full meal
If you want a complete dinner, serve with a side of miso soup or egg drop soup for a cozy, balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Meal prep tip: Divide cooked beef and broccoli over rice into containers — perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain before adding, or add directly to the skillet and cook a few minutes longer until tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Ground Beef and Broccoli reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a large skillet or wok to avoid crowding the beef, which can cause it to steam instead of brown.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer longer or mix 1 teaspoon extra cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in to thicken.
What type of rice works best?
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the sauce perfectly, but you can also use brown rice or even noodles.
Can I make it dairy-free or low-sodium?
Yes — it’s naturally dairy-free, and you can use low-sodium soy sauce and omit added salt to reduce sodium content.