Ground Beef and Broccoli – A Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry

Looking for a fast, delicious, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for anyone craving a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tender ground beef is coated in a savory garlic-ginger stir-fry sauce, tossed with crisp broccoli, and served over rice or noodles for a satisfying, well-balanced dinner. Bonus? It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and naturally gluten-free with simple swaps!

Let’s get cooking!

Description

This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines juicy ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s easy to customize, works great for meal prep, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or ramen)
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned.
4. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Aromatics

5. If the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

8. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring well.
9. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
11. Serve over rice, noodles, or a low-carb alternative.

Notes

• For extra crispy broccoli, stir-fry it separately before adding it back in at the end.
• Want more veggies? Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Prefer a thicker sauce? Use 2 teaspoons of cornstarch instead of 1.
• Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of sriracha.

Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with tamari or coconut aminos)
• Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, stir-fry recipe, easy beef stir-fry, one-pan dinner

Helpful Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Want to make your Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry even more flavorful and restaurant-quality? Follow these simple tips!

1. Choose the Right Ground Beef

• 85–90% lean ground beef is ideal—it has enough fat for flavor but won’t be greasy.
• If using fattier beef (80% or lower), drain excess grease before adding the sauce.
• For a leaner option, try ground turkey or ground chicken.

2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

• For crisp-tender broccoli, cook it for 3–4 minutes—it should stay bright green.
• Want softer broccoli? Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and steam for 1–2 extra minutes.
• For extra flavor, stir-fry broccoli separately before adding it back at the end.

3. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger

• Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference in flavor.
• If using ground versions, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger per clove/teaspoon of fresh.

4. Get the Sauce Just Right

• For a thicker sauce, mix an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water before adding to the pan.
• For a thinner sauce, add a splash of broth or water before simmering.
• For a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.

5. Control the Spice Level

• Add more red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha for extra heat.
• For a mild version, skip the red pepper flakes and reduce garlic.

6. Make It a Complete Meal

• Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
• For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein!

7. Meal Prep Like a Pro

• Cook a double batch and store for easy lunches.
• Store in separate containers to keep rice or noodles from getting soggy.
• Reheat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

8. Add More Veggies for Extra Nutrition

• Try bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or shredded carrots for variety.
• If adding extra veggies, increase the sauce slightly to coat everything well.

9. Cook Everything in One Pan for Easy Cleanup

• Use a large skillet or wok so the beef and broccoli cook evenly.
• If needed, wipe the pan clean between cooking the beef and stir-frying the broccoli.

10. Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch.
• A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice adds brightness to balance the flavors.

Conservation and Storage for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is perfect for meal prep, but proper storage and reheating are key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. Follow these simple tips to store and enjoy leftovers without losing texture or taste.

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)

Let the stir-fry cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Keep rice or noodles separate to prevent them from soaking up too much sauce.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing)

Can I freeze this dish? Yes! The beef and sauce freeze well, but broccoli may become softer when reheated.
Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Best way to freeze:

1. Let the stir-fry cool.
2. Portion into individual containers for easy thawing.
3. If possible, freeze broccoli separately to maintain its texture.

Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop (Best for Flavor & Texture)

Heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

2. Microwave (Fastest Method)

Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely.
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce.

3. Reheating from Frozen

Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheat using the stovetop or microwave as described above.
If reheating directly from frozen, microwave on low power to prevent overcooking.

Best Storage & Reheating Tips

Store rice and stir-fry separately to keep textures fresh.
Avoid overheating broccoli—it can become mushy if overcooked.
Refresh the sauce with a splash of soy sauce or broth when reheating.

this RECIPE

Substitutions and Variations for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is incredibly versatile! Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, adding new flavors, or simply using what you have on hand, here are plenty of ways to switch things up.

Protein Swaps

• Ground Turkey or Chicken – A leaner option that still absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
• Ground Pork – Adds richness and pairs well with Asian flavors.
• Plant-Based Options: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meat alternatives like Beyond Meat.
• Sliced Beef (Traditional Style): Instead of ground beef, use thinly sliced flank steak for a classic beef and broccoli stir-fry.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Boost the nutrition and color by adding extra veggies:

• Bell Peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Carrots – Shredded or julienned for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Mushrooms – Soaks up the sauce for an umami kick.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas – Adds crunch and freshness.
• Zucchini or Cabbage – Great for bulking up the dish without extra carbs.

Sauce Variations

• Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the hoisin sauce.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the honey and hoisin, and use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
• Spicy Version: Add sriracha, gochujang, or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
• Savory and Nutty: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini for a rich, nutty twist.

Carb & Grain Swaps

• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or stir-fry with zucchini noodles.
• High-Protein: Swap white rice for quinoa or farro.
• Classic: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Noodles: Toss with lo mein, rice noodles, or ramen for a noodle stir-fry.

Flavor Boosters

• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for extra brightness.
• Drizzle with sesame oil just before serving for a nutty finish.
• Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch.

Fun Variations

1. Garlic Butter Beef and Broccoli

• Swap the sauce for garlic butter and serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

2. Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

• Replace the sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more classic take.

3. Spicy Szechuan-Style Beef and Broccoli

• Add chili flakes, Szechuan peppercorns, and hoisin sauce for bold heat and deep flavor.

4. Thai-Inspired Beef and Broccoli

• Add Thai basil, coconut milk, and a dash of fish sauce for a Southeast Asian twist.

5. Meal-Prep Bowls

• Serve over rice with a soft-boiled egg and avocado slices for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw before cooking or add frozen florets directly to the pan and cook for an extra 1–2 minutes.

2. How do I make this dish healthier?

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Reduce the honey or hoisin sauce for a lower-sugar version.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.

3. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

• Oyster sauce – Adds a similar savory-sweet depth.
• Soy sauce + a teaspoon of peanut butter – A DIY hoisin replacement.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

5. How do I thicken the sauce?

Use an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether served over rice, noodles, or a low-carb option, it’s the perfect one-pan meal that everyone will love.

Try it out and let me know what you think! If you make this recipe, snap a photo and share—it’s always great to see your creations. Happy cooking!

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