Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
You’re gonna love this one.
It’s the kind of dinner you whip up when time’s tight but you still want something homemade and super satisfying.
I’ve made this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry more times than I can count, and now I’m passing it on to you—because it’s that good. You’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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It’s quick, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Super affordable, with ingredients you probably already have.
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That sauce? It’s savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of sticky.
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You can serve it with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
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It’s a great way to get in some veggies without feeling like you’re eating “health food.”
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Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
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1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
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4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
For the Sauce:
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1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1/2 cup water
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1 tsp sesame oil (optional but gives great flavor)
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil.
Step 3: Add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Step 4: Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add garlic and ginger to the empty space and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the broccoli. If using fresh, add a splash of water and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to help it steam. If using frozen, just stir it in and cook uncovered until tender.
Step 6: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 7: Turn off the heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you want. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Storage Options
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Variations and Substitutions
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu.
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No Oyster Sauce? Sub with hoisin sauce or double up on soy.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or over sautéed cabbage.
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More Veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers.
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Spicy: Use more red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha in the sauce.
Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
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Overcooking the broccoli: Keep it crisp-tender, not mushy.
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Skipping the cornstarch: It thickens the sauce. Without it, things get watery.
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Too much oil: You only need a tablespoon to brown the beef.
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Crowding the pan: Use a large skillet so everything sears, not steams.
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Not draining the fat: If your beef is fatty, drain it, or your stir fry will be greasy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Absolutely. Just thaw it first or cook a few extra minutes in the skillet.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: Steamed rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your oyster sauce.
Q: Can I double the sauce?
A: Yes! If you like it extra saucy (I do), double the sauce ingredients.
Q: Does it work with other meats?
A: Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly sliced beef or pork.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Definitely. You can mix the sauce and chop your veggies ahead of time.
Q: How spicy is this?
A: Mild. Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat.
Conclusion
You’re seriously going to be hooked on this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
It’s fast, full of flavor, and gives you takeout vibes without the wait.
If you try it, let me know how it turned out—or better yet, send me a pic. I love seeing your kitchen wins!
You Might Also Want To Try
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Ground Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick, flavorful, and easy to throw together, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a weeknight winner. Made with savory-sweet sauce, lean beef, and crisp broccoli, it comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like something you'd order out—but way healthier and cheaper.
Ingredients
- Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil.
Step 3: Add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Step 4: Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add garlic and ginger to the empty space and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the broccoli. If using fresh, add a splash of water and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to help it steam. If using frozen, just stir it in and cook uncovered until tender.
Step 6: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 7: Turn off the heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you want. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories About 370 (without rice)
