Satisfy your cravings with this quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers are tossed in a savory sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is a complete meal that’s both wholesome and hearty.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor. It’s customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Directions:
- Prep the Sauce: In a covered container, combine cornstarch with water, shake to mix, and set aside in a cool spot. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. Cook and crumble beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch mixture and slowly stir it into the sauce until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add broccoli back to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 488 | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir fry is the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavors. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The tender ground beef, fresh broccoli, and vibrant bell peppers are enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s highly versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Customizations and Variations
- Protein Options:
You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes to cater to different dietary needs. - Vegetable Additions:
This recipe is perfect for incorporating more vegetables. Try adding julienned carrots, sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or kale for extra nutrition and texture. - Spice It Up:
For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. - Lower Sodium Version:
Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control the salt content. This option is great for anyone watching their sodium intake. - Keto-Friendly Option:
Swap out the brown sugar and honey with keto-approved sweeteners, like monk fruit or stevia, and serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead:
Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will cut down on cooking time even further. - Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal. - Freezing Instructions:
Freeze the cooked stir fry (without the rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Cooking Broccoli:
To achieve perfectly tender broccoli with a slight crunch, avoid overcooking it. Sauté it quickly in the oil and set it aside until it’s added back at the end. - Sauce Consistency:
Make sure to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. Stir slowly to ensure even thickening of the sauce. - Rice Cooking Hack:
Add a bouillon cube or some beef broth to the water when cooking rice to infuse it with flavor. Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking for the best texture. - High Heat Cooking:
Using a wok or a large skillet on high heat ensures a quick, even cook and helps retain the vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dish:
Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fried rice for a more indulgent pairing. - Drinks:
Complement this dish with a refreshing glass of iced green tea or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. - Dessert:
Balance the savory flavors with a light dessert, like mango sorbet or a fruit salad.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The umami-rich soy sauce and beef broth are perfectly offset by the sweetness of brown sugar and honey, while sesame oil adds depth and a nutty aroma. The ground beef absorbs the flavors beautifully, creating a cohesive dish that feels gourmet but is deceptively easy to make.
Nutritional Benefits
This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir fry isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Broccoli: A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, broccoli provides fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity.
- Ground Beef: A great source of protein and iron, which are essential for muscle building and energy levels.
- Bell Peppers: High in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, these peppers also add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic and Ginger: Both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to enhance digestion.
- Low-Calorie Option: With 488 calories per serving, this dish strikes a balance between indulgence and health.
How to Serve for Different Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner:
Serve with steamed white rice for a classic and quick meal. It’s a family-friendly option that appeals to both kids and adults. - Meal Prep:
Portion into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier. - Dinner Party:
Elevate the dish by garnishing with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Serve alongside spring rolls or a light soup as part of an Asian-inspired dinner spread.
Cooking Tools to Simplify the Process
- Wok or Large Skillet: Perfect for stir-frying, as it provides even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients.
- Rice Cooker: Guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time, saving time and effort.
- Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring without scratching non-stick pans.
- Storage Containers: Airtight containers help preserve the flavors for meal prep and storage.
Origins and Cultural Influence
This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Asian stir-fry dishes, which are known for their quick preparation and use of fresh ingredients. Stir-frying is a cornerstone of Chinese cooking, focusing on high heat and fast cooking to preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients.
While classic Beef and Broccoli often uses thinly sliced beef, this version with ground beef offers a budget-friendly and quicker alternative without sacrificing flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in the sauce reflects the balance commonly sought in Asian cuisine.
Tips for Scaling Up or Down
- For Larger Groups:
Double or triple the ingredients, but cook in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan. - For Single Portions:
Halve the recipe and store any leftover sauce for a future meal.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free:
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free. - Dairy-Free:
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. - Vegan Option:
Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Low-Carb/Keto:
Skip the rice and serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
How to Turn It into a Freezer Meal
- Prepare the stir fry as directed but skip the rice.
- Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Prepare fresh rice or cauliflower rice to serve alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Thaw the broccoli first, pat it dry, and then cook as directed. This prevents excess water from diluting the sauce. - What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great substitutes for thickening the sauce. - Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy as written, but you can add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced red chilies. - Can I skip the sugar?
While the sugar balances the savory flavors, you can reduce or omit it, especially if substituting with honey or a natural sweetener.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines wholesome ingredients with a quick and easy cooking process. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing dinner, it’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your preferences. The balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, this stir fry is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Pair it with rice, noodles, or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice for a dish that satisfies every craving. Easy to make, adaptable, and packed with flavor, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a must-try recipe that delivers every time.