Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Love beef and broccoli? Try this quick and easy recipe.

By
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel has over 10 years of experience developing recipes and writing about food. She is the author of 4 cookbooks, including the bestselling "The Instant Pot Electric Cookbook."
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Updated June 10, 2024
Laurel Randolph
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry over rice in a bowl at a table setting with a glass of water, a bowl of sliced scallions, and a bowl of sesame seeds

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

One of the all-time most popular take-out orders from Chinese American restaurants is beef and broccoli. And while it’s not an especially difficult dish to make at home, steak isn’t the most affordable ingredient. This smart beef and broccoli recipe calls for ground beef—not only is it a more affordable cut of meat, but it also absorbs the sauce’s flavors as it cooks.

The sauce is a great balance of aromatics from the garlic and ginger, with sweetness from the sugar and umami from the soy sauce. I love how the cornstarch in the sauce helps to thicken everything, allowing it to coat the meat and vegetables better.

If you love the flavors of beef and broccoli, whip up this quick, easy, and affordable version. Ready in only 30 minutes—just enough time to cook up some rice at the same time—it’s an ideal family meal.

Easy Variations

  • For a more colorful stir fry with extra nutrition, add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or carrots.
  • For even more flavor, swap the water for chicken or beef broth.
  • For an extra fast meal, buy packaged broccoli florets from the bagged produce section of the grocery store.
  • Add more fun toppings like cilantro and chopped peanuts.
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry over rice in a bowl at a table setting with a glass of water, a bowl of sliced scallions, and a bowl of sesame seeds

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Stir Fry Recipes

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4 servings

This recipe was developed by Jasmine Smith

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water

  • 6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (from 1-inch piece)

  • 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola), divided

  • 12 ounces (about 5 1/4 cups) fresh broccoli florets

  • 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef 

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Method

  1. Make the sauce:

    Whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until combined and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

  2. Cook the broccoli:

    Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and blackened in spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a large bowl; set aside.

  3. Brown the beef and add the sauce:

    Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally to break the meat into crumbles, until browned, about 5 minutes. 

    Add the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld, about 3 minutes.

  4. Assemble and serve:

    Return the broccoli to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats meat and vegetables, about 3 minutes. Top with sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve over steamed white rice. 

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
544 Calories
27g Fat
46g Carbs
36g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 544
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g 35%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 1198mg 52%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 16g 56%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 36g
Vitamin C 305mg 1,523%
Calcium 231mg 18%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 1796mg 38%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.