Dinner

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

ByClara Bennett February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef come together in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with a stir-fry consisting of small, bright green broccoli florets, finely chopped translucent onions, and browned ground meat mixed in a light brown sauce. A wooden spoon rests inside the skillet, lifting a mix of broccoli and meat. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, with a small wooden bowl of sliced green onions placed nearby, and a gray striped cloth partially visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite size pieces
1 pound lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup beef broth
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Rice, for serving
Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a pot with a steamer basket, bring a few inches of water to a boil. Steam the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until tender but still firm, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned. Season with salt and pepper, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté for another minute. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 3: While the beef cooks, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, 1 clove minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir and cook over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
Step 5: Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant taste.
To make it gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with two main layers; the bottom layer is fluffy white rice with some pieces of chopped green onions and sesame seeds sprinkled on top, giving light green and black color bits. The top layer is a mix of cooked ground beef and bright green broccoli pieces, cooked to a soft texture with some small bits of onions visible. A silver fork is digging in, lifting a portion that includes a chunk of broccoli and some rice, the food looking well mixed but still showing the distinct layers. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding to the skillet to avoid a watery sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Clara Bennett