When you need a fast dinner that actually tastes homemade, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a reliable go-to. The beef cooks until juicy and savory, the broccoli stays bright and tender-crisp, and everything gets coated in a glossy garlic-soy sauce that clings to every bite.
As the garlic hits the hot pan and the sauce thickens, the whole dish comes together in minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels satisfying without being complicated—simple ingredients, one pan, and a bold, familiar flavor that works for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners when takeout sounds tempting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It comes together quickly without cutting corners.
From start to finish, this stir-fry takes about 25 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
The sauce is rich and balanced.
Garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness cook into a thick, glossy sauce that coats the beef and broccoli instead of pooling at the bottom of the pan.
Everything cooks in one skillet.
No juggling pans or complicated prep—just brown the beef, add the broccoli and sauce, and let it finish together.
It’s flexible and family-friendly.
You can serve it over rice, spoon it into lettuce cups, or pair it with noodles. It’s easy to adjust the seasoning or add extra vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
It tastes better than takeout leftovers.
The beef stays tender, the broccoli keeps its texture, and the sauce reheats well—making it just as good the next day.
What You Need to Make the Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, lean is best
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Tools
- A large skillet or wok
- A small mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A cutting board
- A knife
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare your skillet, cooking utensils, and any serving dishes. Preheat and adjust heat levels as needed. Cooking times and results can vary based on your stove, pan type, and ingredient size.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Safety-Checked)
1. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat carefully.
3. Add the Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
4. Add the Broccoli and Sauce
Add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir once. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli evenly.
5. Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 4–6 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Stir halfway through.
If broccoli is still firm, cook 1–2 minutes longer.
6. Finish With Sesame Oil
Remove the lid and drizzle sesame oil on top. Stir everything together so the sauce coats the beef and broccoli.
7. Serve Warm
Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or use as a filling for lettuce wraps.
How to Serve
This dish is super versatile. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice for a classic, comforting meal. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps or serve it over quinoa. You can also toss it with cooked noodles for a fun twist, like lo mein or rice noodles. Add some extra flair by garnishing with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
Storage, Reheating, and Make Ahead
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Put it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave (in 1-minute intervals until hot), the stovetop (in a skillet over medium heat), or the oven (at 350°F covered with foil).
Special Tips
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it to be vibrant green and have a slight crunch, not be soft and mushy.
- Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy final dish. If you don’t have lean, be sure to drain the fat well.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking. Add a little more soy sauce for more saltiness or a bit more brown sugar for a sweeter taste.
Variations
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to throw in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots.
- Change the protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Side Dishes
The best sides are simple and complement the main dish.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice is a classic choice.
- Fried rice uses up leftovers and adds more texture.
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or carrots are a healthy, colorful option.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls give a nice crunch.
- A light and fresh cucumber salad can balance the savory flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining the fat. This can make the dish heavy and greasy. Always drain the fat after browning the beef.
- Overcooking the broccoli. This is the most common mistake. Cook it just until it’s bright green and tender-crisp.
- Skipping the sauce prep. Mixing the sauce ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth, consistent flavor. If you just dump them in, the cornstarch can clump.
- Using a cold pan. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before you add the ground beef. This helps it brown properly and not steam.
FAQs
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
It’s a quick, delicious stir-fry dish. It features savory ground beef and crisp broccoli florets in a rich, homemade garlic-soy sauce. It’s a great weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Can I make this dish healthier?
Yes! Use very lean ground beef or switch to ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers. Serving it over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice will also increase the fiber content.
What can I serve with it?
This dish is a great main course on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of cooked rice, noodles, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. For a lower-carb option, you can serve it with cauliflower rice.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the refrigerator. Just portion it out into airtight containers after it has cooled. It makes a fantastic lunch or dinner for the next few days.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! Thaw it first or add it directly to the pan. Just keep in mind that frozen broccoli can release more water and might make your sauce a little thinner. You may need to simmer it for an extra minute or two to get the sauce thick again.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can use ground chicken or ground turkey. You could also slice steak very thinly and use that instead of ground beef.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a winner for so many reasons. It’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just looking for a delicious one-pan meal, this recipe delivers. It’s a perfect homemade takeout alternative that you can feel good about. With a little planning and these simple steps, you can create a satisfying and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Card
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Method: Stovetop
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approx. 320 (per serving)
Description
A quick and easy 25-minute ground beef and broccoli stir-fry made with tender ground beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or a fast homemade alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Rice for serving (optional)
Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Instructions
- Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until completely smooth. Set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat carefully. - Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown. - Add Broccoli and Sauce
Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. - Simmer and Thicken
Cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook 4–6 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Stir halfway through. If broccoli needs more time, cook an additional 1–2 minutes. - Finish
Remove the lid and drizzle sesame oil over top. Stir to coat everything evenly. - Serve
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
- For extra sauce, increase soy sauce to ⅓ cup and water to ⅓ cup.
- For a sweeter sauce, add an extra ½ tablespoon brown sugar.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 1–2 extra minutes.
- For low-carb: serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat.
- More Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Different Protein: Ground chicken or turkey works well too.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (cool completely before freezing).
- Reheat: Microwave 1-minute intervals, or stir on stovetop over medium heat.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated and can vary based on brands, measurements, and preparation methods. For precise values, please calculate using your preferred nutrition tool.
