Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese American
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

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This ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick, easy, and affordable take on the classic Chinese American favorite. Using ground beef instead of steak keeps it budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The savory sauce, thickened with cornstarch, perfectly coats tender-crisp broccoli and flavorful beef, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe uses ground beef, which makes it more affordable and allows the meat to soak up all the delicious sauce flavors. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, which is perfect when I need a tasty meal on the table fast. The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a bit of sweetness in the sauce is perfectly balanced, and the cornstarch helps everything cling to the beef and broccoli. Plus, I can easily customize it by adding extra veggies or swapping broth for water to boost flavor even more.

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

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Cook the broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly blackened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
Brown the beef: Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add ground beef and sprinkle with salt. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 3 minutes.
Combine and finish: Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens further and coats the beef and broccoli evenly, about 3 minutes.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if using. Serve immediately over steamed white rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes like to add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Swapping water for chicken or beef broth boosts the flavor even more. For convenience, I often use pre-packaged broccoli florets from the produce section to save prep time. To add more texture and brightness, I top the dish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It reheats well and still tastes fresh and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. The cooking time remains the same, but the flavor will be a bit lighter. Adjust seasoning if needed.

How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?

Cook the broccoli over medium-high heat just until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking by stirring occasionally and removing it from the heat promptly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly (about 1/4 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated and less fresh tasting.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of water to keep the flavor rich.

Conclusion

This ground beef and broccoli stir fry has become a staple for me because it’s quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly. The balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors with the satisfying texture of tender broccoli and juicy ground beef hits the spot every time. It’s a simple recipe I’m happy to cook on busy weeknights or anytime I crave a comforting stir fry at home.