Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry : Ready in 15 Minutes!

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Looking for quick dinner ideas that actually taste amazing? This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that’s healthier, tastier, and more budget-friendly than takeout.

This recipe combines savory ground beef with crisp broccoli florets in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for easy hamburger meat recipes or healthy dinner recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor, this stir fry checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stir Fry

If you’re tired of the same old dinner rotation, this recipe is your answer. Here’s what makes it special:

• Lightning fast: Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef is affordable and feeds a crowd
• Nutrient-packed: Loaded with protein and vegetables
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this savory-sweet combination
• Meal prep friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch
• Customizable: Swap vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste

This is one of those easy meals with ground beef that you’ll make on repeat. The homemade sauce is simple yet incredibly flavorful, featuring soy sauce, honey, fresh garlic, and ginger. No complicated ingredients or techniques required!

Essential Equipment

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools. A quality frying pan or wok makes all the difference for achieving that perfect stir fry texture. You’ll also need a reliable cutting board and sharp chef’s knives for prep work. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accurate sauce proportions, and a set of mixing bowls to prepare your ingredients ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sauce

For the Stir Fry

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch helps create that glossy, restaurant-style coating that clings to the beef and broccoli. Set this aside while you cook having everything prepped makes the actual cooking process incredibly quick.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat your sesame oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Using a quality frying pan ensures even heat distribution. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula from your kitchen utensils set as it cooks.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is just about cooked through. You want it browned but still slightly pink in the center it’ll finish cooking when you add the sauce. Drain any excess fat if needed, though 93% lean beef typically doesn’t produce much.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked beef and onions. Stir everything together to coat evenly. The sauce will start to thicken almost immediately thanks to the cornstarch. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce becoming glossy and clinging beautifully to the meat.

Step 4: Incorporate the Broccoli

Add your blanched broccoli florets to the pan. Blanching the broccoli beforehand (boiling for 2-3 minutes, then shocking in ice water) ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender. Toss everything together and cook for just 1 more minute. The broccoli should be heated through but still have a slight crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

If you’re serving over rice, divide your cooked rice among 4 plates or shallow bowls first. Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over the top. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. The fresh scallions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that brightens the whole dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stir Fry

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches. Overcrowding creates steam instead of that desirable sear.

Prep everything first: Stir frying happens fast! Have all ingredients measured, chopped, and ready before you start cooking.

Use high heat: A hot pan is essential for achieving restaurant-quality results. This is where a good frying pan really matters.

Keep it moving: Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Adjust the sauce: Taste before serving and add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to customize it:

• Protein swaps: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat
• Vegetable additions: Add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms
• Spice it up: Include red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
• Different greens: Swap broccoli for bok choy, green beans, or asparagus
• Grain alternatives: Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or lo mein noodles

If you’re using ground chicken instead, check out more ground chicken recipes for additional inspiration!

Storage and Meal Prep

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, use a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture is best when reheated on the stovetop.

For freezing, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe isn’t just delicious it’s nutritious too! Ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. By using 93% lean beef and controlling the sauce ingredients, you’re creating a balanced meal that’s lower in fat than typical takeout versions.

Each serving provides approximately 350-400 calories (without rice), making it a satisfying yet reasonable option for dinner. The protein and fiber help keep you full, while the vegetables add volume without excessive calories.

Serving Suggestions

While this stir fry is delicious on its own, here are some serving ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Add a side of spring rolls or pot stickers
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad
• Serve over rice noodles for a different twist

Common Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Skip the blanching step and add it directly to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger, though fresh provides better flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and verify your other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce as specified, and taste before serving. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. You can combine everything at the end with the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this stir fry’s success lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The savory soy sauce, sweet honey, aromatic garlic and ginger, and nutty sesame oil create a complex sauce that tastes like hours of work. The cornstarch gives it that glossy, takeout-style finish that clings perfectly to every piece of beef and broccoli.

By using ground beef instead of sliced steak, you get maximum flavor in minimum time. Every bite is packed with that delicious sauce, unlike traditional beef and broccoli where the sauce often pools at the bottom of the plate.

Kitchen Equipment Recommendations

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment we use. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. A good frying pan or wok is essential for stir frying, while sharp chef’s knives make prep work quick and safe.

Other helpful items include:

• Cutting board for chopping vegetables
• Kitchen utensils including spatulas and spoons
• Mixing bowls for sauce preparation
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry : Ready in 15 Minutes!

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Looking for quick dinner ideas? This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is ready in just 15 minutes! Tender ground beef and crisp broccoli florets are coated in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger. It’s one of the best easy meals with ground beef that’s healthier and tastier than takeout. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, family-friendly dinner that everyone will love!

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 15
• Yield: 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Ingredients

½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari

1 tablespoon honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ tablespoon sesame oil

1 pound ground beef, 93% lean

½ medium yellow onion, chopped

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets and blanched

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias

Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.

2. Add the sesame oil to a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is just about cooked through, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the reserved sauce, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute. Add the broccoli and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Divide mixture evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls, layering rice first, if using.

5. Top each with sesame seeds and scallions.

Notes

Blanch broccoli by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then shocking in ice water to keep it bright green and crisp-tender.

Frozen broccoli can be used – skip blanching and add directly to the pan.

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for beef.

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.