We all have those nights where the fridge gives us a blank stare, and dinner ideas feel like a lost cause. That’s where this quick ground beef and broccoli stir fry jumps in to save the day. It’s fast, satisfying, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. Sounds like a dream, right? I love this recipe because it hits all the high notes – juicy ground beef, tender broccoli, and a sweet-savory garlic sauce that clings to everything just right. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate that you can pull this together faster than your delivery app can show up at your door. This one’s become a regular on our table. It’s a great go-to when you need something hearty but don’t want to get fancy. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just trying to keep weeknight chaos at bay, this dish has your back. Plus, it’s a rock star when it comes to using up whatever’s lounging around in the pantry.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick weeknight fix with bold flavor
Great way to use up broccoli
One-pan cleanup dream
Pairs beautifully with white or brown rice

2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If your day was long and your brain’s running on fumes, this quick ground beef recipe will rescue dinner with minimal effort. I’ve had evenings where the thought of chopping an onion felt like too much. But here? You brown some beef, steam some broccoli, pour in a sauce, and boom — dinner’s done in under 30.

The reason I always circle back to this ground beef and broccoli recipe is because it tastes like takeout, but cheaper and without mystery ingredients. My kids ask for it. My husband asks for seconds. And I feel like a total hero without breaking a sweat. It’s grounded, flavorful, and everything you need when life’s chaotic.

Plus, the savory sauce hugs every crag of broccoli and mixes with the beef just right. Stir fries are forgiving, fast, and honestly? This one’s a keeper. I make it on autopilot most weeks, and it never lets me down.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef Lean ground beef gives you richness without too much grease. I’ve used both 80/20 and 90/10 — both work great, just drain a bit more fat if needed with the fattier cuts.

Broccoli Florets Fresh is fantastic, but I’ve used frozen in a pinch. Just thaw and pat dry. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll water down your sauce.

Sesame Oil This adds a light nutty aroma that makes everything feel extra toasty. A little goes a long way, and it wakes up the dish in a way plain oil doesn’t.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce This is the backbone of the sauce. Regular soy can make things too salty, so I stick with low-sodium and adjust to taste later.

Water It helps stretch the sauce and gives the cornstarch room to work its magic. Just a bit to loosen things up.

Cornstarch This thickens the sauce so it clings instead of pooling. Stir it in well to avoid clumps and don’t skip it unless you want a watery mess.

Brown Sugar A little sweetness balances the soy. I use light brown sugar, but dark works too. It makes the sauce sing.

Garlic and Fresh Ginger Fresh is always better, but jarred garlic or frozen ginger cubes work when you’re tired and hungry. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Cooked Rice I usually serve this over jasmine or basmati. It soaks up that glossy sauce like a champ and makes it a full meal.

Sesame Seeds and Green Onions Totally optional, but they make your plate look like a restaurant dish. That little bit of crunch and fresh bite goes a long way.

4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1 Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it browns. Don’t walk away. Stir it until it’s no longer pink and some crispy bits form.

Step 2 Drain any grease if your beef is on the fattier side. Then add the broccoli straight to the pan. Toss it with the beef, letting it steam and soften for about 4 minutes. It should stay bright green and have a little bite.

Step 3 Mix your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, cornstarch, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Get it smooth. No lumps allowed.

Step 4 Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir and let it bubble for a minute or two until it thickens and turns glossy. Don’t skip the stirring, or it might stick.

Step 5 Spoon everything over hot rice. You want that rice to catch all the good stuff. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling it.

Step 6 Sit down, grab your fork, and enjoy. You made dinner in under 30, and it actually tastes amazing. You’re crushing it.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Use high heat and work fast. Stir fries don’t like low heat or long pauses. Keep everything moving so the flavors stay sharp and the beef doesn’t steam.

Cut the broccoli small so it cooks quickly and evenly. Big chunks can be stubborn and stay too firm, especially if you like yours tender like I do.

If you want to spice it up, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha gives it that kick. My husband douses his bowl. I keep mine mellow and drizzle on chili oil at the table instead.

6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ahead of Time

I’ve made this on a Sunday and eaten it for lunch all week. It reheats like a dream. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so I splash a bit of water in when I warm it up to loosen it.

If you’re doing this for meal prep, keep the rice and stir fry separate in containers. That way, nothing gets soggy. Combine them when you’re ready to eat and give it a quick zap in the microwave.

Honestly, it might taste better the next day. The flavors settle in and somehow feel deeper. I don’t question it. I just pack extra when I plan ahead.

7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days. I keep mine in a glass container with a tight lid so it doesn’t pick up weird fridge smells.

Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. I add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce and keep it from drying out.

Don’t freeze it unless you really need to. The broccoli changes texture, and it just doesn’t feel the same. Fresh is best here.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry