This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry brings together tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, garlicky sauce in one simple skillet. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights when you still want a comforting, homemade meal.
Loaded with umami flavors and customizable with your favorite vegetables, this dish is a modern twist on the takeout classic. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a full, satisfying dinner that’ll please both kids and adults alike. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and effortless cleanup—what more could you ask for?
Full Recipe:
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1 pound lean ground beef
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12 ounces broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
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3 tablespoons oyster sauce
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cool water
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½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
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Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Directions:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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While beef cooks, whisk together beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
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Push the cooked beef to the side of the pan. Add minced garlic and ginger to the center and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
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Add broccoli and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender (5–7 minutes if frozen, slightly less for fresh).
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In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until dissolved. Stir slurry into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
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Stir in sesame oil, remove from heat, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 242 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Ground Beef and Broccoli Is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Ground Beef and Broccoli is one of those rare gems in the kitchen: a meal that is incredibly quick to make, packed with flavor, and made from ingredients you probably already have on hand. It brings together the familiar comfort of savory beef and the nutritional power of broccoli in a one-pan stir-fry that feels both indulgent and healthy.
What makes this dish stand out is how it blends the simplicity of home-cooking with the depth and complexity of Asian-inspired flavors. The recipe delivers a robust umami experience thanks to a rich sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and just a touch of honey. The result is a restaurant-quality dish, minus the takeout bill or waiting time.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
While Beef and Broccoli is a mainstay on Chinese-American restaurant menus, this version takes a modern, more accessible approach by using ground beef instead of sliced steak. This small swap brings a number of benefits: it’s more budget-friendly, cooks faster, and eliminates the need for marinating or special knife skills.
The dish was born from a desire to recreate the nostalgic flavors of traditional beef and broccoli without the fuss. Using ground beef makes it accessible for busy families, college students, or anyone looking for a fast yet satisfying dinner that still feels like it was made with care.
Speed and Simplicity Without Compromise
One of the best aspects of this dish is the speed. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare. That includes browning the beef, stirring together the sauce, cooking the broccoli, and thickening the mixture to a glossy, flavorful finish. For those short on time—after work, between school pickups, or before a late evening activity—this meal delivers on every front.
It’s also a fantastic introduction to Asian-inspired cooking for beginners. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. If you have soy sauce, garlic, and broccoli in your kitchen, you’re already halfway there.
Nutritional Balance and Customization
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a well-balanced combination of macronutrients. The beef brings protein and iron, while the broccoli adds fiber, vitamins C and K, and essential minerals. When served with rice or noodles, it becomes a complete and satisfying meal that supports energy, fullness, and nutrition.
The recipe is also extremely adaptable. Want to lower the carbs? Serve it over cauliflower rice. Want to make it gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Looking for more color and variety? Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. You can even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
Why the Sauce Matters
The sauce is what elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. It’s a balanced mix of savory, slightly sweet, and a bit tangy, enhanced with a touch of sesame oil for depth and aroma. Oyster sauce brings that signature rich umami, while fresh garlic and ginger add brightness and complexity.
The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every piece of beef and broccoli, infusing each bite with flavor. And because it’s made with low-sodium broth and soy sauce, you have more control over the salt level, making it ideal for families or anyone watching their sodium intake.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is also a meal-prepper’s dream. It reheats beautifully and retains its flavor and texture even after a few days in the fridge. Make a big batch on Sunday night and portion it into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer shelf life. Just make sure to allow the dish to cool before freezing, and store it in airtight containers for optimal freshness.
Appeals to All Ages
Even picky eaters will find something to love in this recipe. The slightly sweet, savory sauce is kid-approved, and the ground beef is soft and easy to chew, making it friendly for younger kids and older family members alike. It’s also an excellent way to get children to eat their vegetables—especially broccoli—which becomes tender and flavorful as it soaks up the sauce.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible
Unlike many stir-fry dishes that require pricier cuts of meat like flank steak or sirloin, this one uses everyday ground beef. It’s typically more affordable, widely available, and already in many home freezers. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any local grocery store, making this a truly accessible recipe for anyone.
You also don’t need any special equipment. A basic non-stick skillet or Dutch oven will do the job perfectly. Clean-up is easy since it’s a one-pan dish, which is another major win for weeknight cooking.
A Gateway to Global Flavors
This meal also serves as an introduction to broader Asian flavors without overwhelming the cook or the eater. It’s simple enough to feel familiar, yet just exotic enough to feel exciting. For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this can be a jumping-off point to exploring other stir-fry dishes, Asian sauces, or international flavor profiles.
Once you’re comfortable with this recipe, you might try swapping the sauce ingredients to create different flavor combinations—like adding hoisin for a sweeter edge, chili garlic paste for spice, or miso for a deeper umami hit.
Tips for Best Results
To ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli comes out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
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Don’t overcook the broccoli—you want it tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
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Adjust the ginger and garlic to taste if you like a stronger flavor punch.
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Stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps and ensure the sauce thickens evenly.
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Toast the sesame oil (if using) before adding it at the end for a richer, nuttier aroma.
A Modern Classic Worth Repeating
Ground Beef and Broccoli isn’t just a recipe—it’s a kitchen staple. It embodies everything we want from our weekday meals: fast, flavorful, nutritious, and completely customizable. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family.
And while it’s simple, it never feels boring. The rich sauce, the balance of textures, and the bold flavors make it feel a little bit special—even if you’re eating it in front of the TV on a Tuesday night.
Conclusion
In a world of busy schedules and endless food options, the Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry holds its own as a go-to favorite. It’s versatile, dependable, and downright delicious. It works for meal preppers, families, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who appreciates a warm, flavorful meal on the table in under 20 minutes.
From its humble ingredients to its bold flavor profile, this dish delivers every single time. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking to streamline your dinner routine, Ground Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate one-skillet wonder that deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.