Hello flavor-lovers! I’m Meriem, your weeknight dinner lifeline and stir-fry enthusiast. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s an absolute winner for busy evenings: 🥩🥦 Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry!
This dish is a fresh twist on classic beef and broccoli, using ground beef for speed and ease. With colorful veggies, a fragrant garlic-ginger base, and a rich soy sauce glaze, this is one of those meals that disappears as soon as it hits the table.
If you’ve enjoyed my Garlic Broccoli and Chickpea Stir Fry or Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry, this dish will fit right into your weeknight rotation—simple, speedy, and seriously satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- 🕒 Dinner in 25 minutes – Perfect for busy nights.
- 🥩 Budget-friendly protein – Ground beef is more affordable and just as flavorful.
- 🥦 Veggie-packed – Broccoli and red bell pepper bring nutrition and color.
- 🥄 No fancy ingredients – Pantry staples create a bold, savory sauce.
- 🍚 Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
- 🥩 One-Pan Wonder: Simple cleanup for busy nights.
What you will need For the best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (450g) – Choose 90% lean for a balance of flavor and health. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
- 🥦 2 cups broccoli florets (150g) – High in fiber and vitamin C. Frozen broccoli works if thawed first. Swap with cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini
- 🌶️ 1 cup red bell pepper (120g) – Adds sweetness and color. Swap with snap peas, carrots or mushrooms.
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fragrant base. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 🥄 1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml) – Adds nutty flavor. Use vegetable oil, olive oil or avocado oil if needed.
- 🥄 2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml) – Umami-packed. Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free.
- 🥄 1 tsp cornstarch (5g) – Thickens the sauce. Arrowroot powder is a good alternative. Use 1 tsp arrowroot powder or 2 tsp flour (dissolved in water).
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt + 🌶️ ¼ tsp black pepper – Season to taste.
- 🥄 1 tsp grated ginger (5g) – Adds warm spice. Substitute with ½ tsp ground ginger if needed or 1 tsp minced lemongrass.
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Large nonstick skillet or wok
- ✅ Mixing bowls
- ✅ Cutting board & sharp knife
- ✅ Measuring spoons
- ✅ Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-By-Step Guiding
Make the Slurry
Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Set aside.
🥄 Tip: Mix well, and ensure no lumps in the cornstarch for a glossy sauce.
Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
🥄 Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for even cooking.
Add Garlic & Ginger
Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
🥄 Tip: Keep the heat medium-high to release aromas without scorching.
Add Veggies
Add broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until just tender-crisp.
🥦 Quick steam tip: Cut broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking. And add a splash of water and cover for 2 minutes to soften the broccoli.
Add Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce slurry. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
🥄 Tip: Stir quickly to distribute the sauce before it sets.
Season & Serve
Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
🥄 Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flair.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein option.
- Broccoli → Cauliflower: Similar texture, mild flavor.
- Soy Sauce → Tamari: Gluten-free, umami-rich substitute.
- Sesame Oil → Avocado Oil: Neutral, high-heat alternative.
- Red Bell Pepper → Carrots: Sweet, crunchy swap.
What to Serve With
Make this meal complete with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice 🍚
- Stir-fried noodles 🍜
- Asian cucumber salad 🥒
- Garlic edamame 🫛
- A cold glass of green tea 🍵
Storage & Reheating
- Storage:
- Store stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Tip: Store rice or noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing:
- Freeze cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Tip: Portion into single servings for easy meals.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth for 5–7 minutes.
- Tip: Refresh with a drizzle of soy sauce or fresh herbs after reheating.
FAQs
Can I double the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or wok for even cooking.
Is Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry low-carb?
Yes, especially if served without rice or with cauliflower rice.
Can I use frozen broccoli in Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make the soy sauce thicker?
Increase cornstarch to 1.5 tsp or simmer the slurry longer (2–3 minutes). Ensure the slurry is well-mixed before adding.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Add ½ cup snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots with the broccoli, keeping total veggies under 3 cups to balance the sauce. Adjust cooking time slightly,.
Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper, stirring for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour the soy sauce slurry over the mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then serve hot over rice or on its own.
This 🥩🥦 Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is fast, filling, and packed with flavor—the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s easy enough for beginners and flexible for any pantry.
If you liked this, try my Lemon Chicken Orzo with Colorful Veggies or Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls. Let me know how it turned out and tag your plate with #MeriemCooks! 💬
