Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Hey y’all! If you love big flavor with minimal fuss, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero—juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. It’s quick enough for busy nights, tasty enough for guests, and ideal for meal prep. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Fast and easy: 10 minutes of prep, 12 minutes of cook time, dinner in 22 minutes.
Big flavor: Savory, umami-packed sauce with just the right touch of sweetness and heat.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef and broccoli are affordable pantry and produce staples.
Flexible: Swap veggies, tweak heat, or make it gluten-free with simple swaps.
Meal-prep ready: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes

1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
4 cups (about 14 oz/400 g) broccoli florets
2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or canola), divided
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts divided)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir-Fry Sauce:

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Par-cook the broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (about 400–450°F surface temp). Add broccoli and 2 tablespoons water; stir-fry 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Brown the ground beef

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Crumble in ground beef and cook over medium-high heat 4–5 minutes, breaking it up, until browned with little pink remaining. Stir in garlic, ginger, the white parts of the green onions, and red pepper flakes; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Sauce it up and finish the stir-fry

Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously 30–60 seconds as it thickens and turns glossy. Return broccoli to the pan and toss 1–2 minutes until everything is coated and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Garnish with the green onion tops.

Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. For food safety, ground beef should reach 160°F internal temperature.

Notes for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Slice broccoli into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly and stay crisp-tender.
Whisk the cornstarch into cold liquid to avoid lumps; if the sauce gets too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons water to loosen.
For stir-fry technique basics like heat control and batching, this guide from Serious Eats is gold.

Variations on Beef and Broccoli Skillet

Spicy Szechuan-Style: Add 1–2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce or doubanjiang and a pinch of Sichuan pepper.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.
Keto/Low-Carb: Swap brown sugar for erythritol/monk fruit and serve over cauliflower rice.

Equipment for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Large skillet or wok (12-inch)
Heatproof spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl and whisk

Storage for Ground Beef and Broccoli Leftovers

Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in meal-prep portions up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway, or warm in a skillet over medium heat 3–4 minutes with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Stir Fry

Starches: Jasmine rice, brown rice, garlic noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Veggie add-ins: Snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn (stir-fry 2–3 minutes before adding sauce).
Finishes: Toasted sesame seeds, extra chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili crisp.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

High heat matters: Preheat the pan until a drop of water sizzles instantly—this helps brown beef and keeps broccoli snappy.
Don’t overcrowd: If your pan is small, brown beef in two batches for better caramelization and flavor.
Food safety first: Ground beef is done at 160°F; see the USDA guidance here.

FAQ: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes—no need to thaw. Add it straight to the hot pan and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until excess moisture cooks off, then proceed with the recipe.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce? Use more soy sauce with an extra 1 teaspoon brown sugar for sweetness, or try hoisin for a sweeter, thicker finish.

Is this healthy? It’s protein- and fiber-forward; broccoli brings vitamins C and K—read more about broccoli’s benefits at Healthline. Use low-sodium soy and adjust sugar to taste.