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Looking for a quick and nutritious meal? Try this easy and flavorful ground beef and broccoli stir fry recipe. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Table of Contents
- Why you will love this recipe!
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing Leftovers
- Ingredients Spotlight
- Recipe FAQs
- More 30-Minute Dinner Recipes
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
When the clock’s ticking and I am staring at my fridge, wondering what to whip up, Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is often one of my favorite quick go-to recipes. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s adaptable to whatever I have on hand.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup—perfect for those nights when I just want to eat and relax.
Why you will love this recipe!
- Flavor-packed: This recipe is so delicious and my whole family loves it, my kids even ask for seconds and they are not big broccoli fans. The blend of umami savory flavors and the sweetness of honey is amazing.
- Simple ingredients: You need only a handful of ingredients to make this recipe, and most of them you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
- Quick and easy dinner recipe: This beef and broccoli stir fry is not only tasty but it’s also made within 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weekday nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef if you want to keep things lighter, or go with regular ground beef for a richer taste. If you are looking for a leaner alternative, you can use ground turkey, chicken or plant-based alternative like beans or lentils & walnuts.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch—just make sure it’s thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Garlic and ginger: The aromatics are essential for building the base flavors of your stir fry. These ingredients infuse the dish with depth and complexity, turning simple ingredients into something special.
- Coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce, or gluten-free Tamari sauce), rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey, and arrowroot starch: This mix creates a sauce that’s sweet and salty. It’s the glue that holds the dish together, coating every piece of beef and broccoli in deliciousness.
- Optional add-ins: Consider adding mushrooms for an umami boost, red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness, green onions for aromatics, or even some cashews for a bit of crunch.
For full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all the stir fry sauce ingredients. Stir until everything is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside for later use. - Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, partially cover the skillet with a lid and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Stir or toss the broccoli several times until they turn bright green and become crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
Tip: If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet before covering with the lid. This will steam the broccoli for a more tender texture. - Cook the Ground Beef
Increase the heat to high and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Spread the ground beef and sauté for 2 minutes, breaking it up while it cooks, or until just cooked through. - Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined. - Serve
Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry over a bed of white rice. Enjoy!
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry turn out perfect every time:
- Have your ingredients prepped and chopped before you start the cooktop. Stir frying is fast-paced and it’s important to have everything mise en place.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. The key to perfect broccoli is to cook it just enough so that it’s tender but still retains a bit of bite. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its bright green hue.
- For perfectly browned beef, spread it out in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This allows a crust to form, which adds both texture and flavor.
- Buy high quality ground beef, look for meat that’s bright red and freshly packed. Avoid packages with excess liquid or a brownish color, as these can be signs of aging meat. If possible, buy your ground beef from a trusted butcher who can grind it fresh for you.
Serving Suggestions
- Best Side Dishes to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
Serve your stir fry over jasmine rice or noodles for a classic pairing, or over mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice for a low-carb side dish. For a lighter option, try serving it with quinoa, or a simple green salad. - Creative Leftover Ideas: Stir Fry Tacos and Rice Bowls
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Turn your stir fry into tacos by wrapping it in a warm tortilla, or create a rice bowl with leftover rice and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to revive the flavors.
- Freezer: You can freeze the stir fry in a freezer safe container for about 3 months.
Ingredients Spotlight
Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, while broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Together, they create a well-rounded meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This dish is naturally gluten-free and Paleo.
Serve your stir fry with brown rice, quinoa, or another whole grain to increase the fiber content and make the meal more filling and nutritious.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer to use leaner ground beef for this recipe (about 90% lean). But you can use beef with any fat content.
Fresh broccoli is ideal for stir fry due to its crisp texture, but frozen broccoli can also work if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. If I am in a pinch, I thaw it in a collander under running water.
To keep your broccoli crisp, cook it quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Either cook it in the beginning and transfer it to a plate, or add it towards the end of the cooking process to ensure it retains its vibrant color and crunch.
More 30-Minute Dinner Recipes
Main Dishes
Beef Fried Rice
Main Dishes
Cabbage and Sausage Recipe
Main Dishes
Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala
Main Dishes
Egg Roll In A Bowl
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a meal that you can customize to your liking, whether you prefer it spicy, mild, with extra veggies, or with a side of rice.
If you tried this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 93% lean
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil, or coconut oil
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional garnish
Stir Fry sauce ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar, or lime juice
- ½ cup coconut aminos, or soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp honey, or sweetener of choice
- 1 Tablespoon arrowroot starch
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the stir fry sauce ingredients. Stir until everything is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, partially cover the skillet with a lid and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Stir or toss the broccoli several times until they turn bright green and become crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.Tip: If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet before covering with the lid. This will steam the broccoli for a more tender texture.
- Increase the heat to high and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Spread the ground beef and sauté for 2 minutes, breaking it up while it cooks, or until just cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry over a bed of white rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Have your ingredients prepped and chopped before you start the cooktop. Stir frying is fast-paced and it’s important to have everything mise en place.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. The key to perfect broccoli is to cook it just enough so that it’s tender but still retains a bit of bite. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its bright green hue.
- For perfectly browned beef, spread it out in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This allows a crust to form, which adds both texture and flavor.
- Buy high quality ground beef, look for meat that’s bright red and freshly packed. Avoid packages with excess liquid or a brownish color, as these can be signs of aging meat. If possible, buy your ground beef from a trusted butcher who can grind it fresh for you.
