Whenever I’m short on time but still want something that feels like real comfort food, I turn to this ground beef and broccoli stir fry. The beauty of this dish is how it blends simple ingredients into a meal that feels both satisfying and nourishing. If you’ve ever scrolled through ground beef and broccoli recipes, you’ll notice they all promise speed, but this one actually delivers on that promise without sacrificing flavor. I like to think of this as the weekday hero. The kind of dish that saves me from calling in takeout yet still keeps the family happy. The beef cooks quickly, the broccoli adds a fresh bite, and when it all comes together with that glossy sauce, it’s one of those ground beef broccoli recipes you’ll want on repeat. And yes, it’s one of those rare recipes with ground beef that actually feels light and balanced. This isn’t just a ground beef recipe healthy enough to fit into busy weeknights, it’s also flexible. You can swap the broccoli for whatever greens are hiding in the fridge or toss it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa. When I’m looking for ground beef recipes for dinner, this is the one that keeps me from getting stuck in the same old routine.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
8) Try these Ground Beef Recipes next!
9) Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This stir fry is quick, healthy, and weeknight friendly.
The main ingredients are ground beef, broccoli, garlic, onion, and a savory sauce.
It works great over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb dinner.
You can swap veggies and adjust seasonings to fit your taste or what’s in the fridge.
It’s one of my favorite ground beef healthy recipes because it feels light but still filling.

2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the phrase “weeknight dinner,” my brain instantly goes to panic mode. The clock hits six, the fridge is looking a little sad, and everyone’s asking that dreaded question: “What’s for dinner?” That’s where this easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry swoops in like a superhero. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it won’t have you buried in a pile of dirty dishes afterward.

What I love most about this recipe is its balance. It has the heartiness of ground beef, the freshness of crisp broccoli, and the flavor punch from a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. This is why it’s not just another one of those recipes with ground beef. It’s a ground beef broccoli recipe that proves you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something taste like you put in a lot of effort.

If you’ve ever searched for ground beef recipes for dinner, you know the internet is crowded with meatloaf, tacos, and burgers. Don’t get me wrong, I love a burger as much as the next person, but sometimes I want a ground beef recipe healthy enough to not leave me feeling like I need a nap. This one hits that sweet spot. It’s fast, flexible, and actually makes me feel like I’m winning at dinnertime.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef: I stick with lean ground beef because it keeps things balanced without leaving the dish too greasy. Plus, it’s the star of the show, so we want that rich flavor without the extra heaviness.

Broccoli: Fresh florets work best here. They stay tender-crisp and add that bright pop of green that makes the whole dish look like it belongs in a takeout box.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better. It’s that flavor booster that makes people wonder if you secretly ordered this from a restaurant.

Onion: A small diced onion adds just enough sweetness and depth to balance the salty sauce.

Soy Sauce: This is the salty backbone of the sauce. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching salt.

Oyster Sauce: Adds richness and that little hint of umami. If you’ve never cooked with it, trust me, it’s worth picking up a bottle.

Cornstarch Slurry: A tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce so it coats everything like a dream.

Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end for that nutty aroma that makes the dish smell irresistible.

Ground Ginger: Gives the sauce a warm background note that ties the flavors together.

Vegetable Oil: For cooking the beef and vegetables without sticking.

Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Keep it simple, the sauce does most of the heavy lifting.

Cooked Rice: To serve. White, brown, or even fried rice if you’re feeling fancy.

4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1. Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it apart with your spoon. This is where that beefy aroma fills the kitchen and has everyone peeking around asking, “When’s dinner ready?”

Step 2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion softens and the garlic makes the air smell like heaven. This step is short, but it’s where the foundation of flavor really builds.

Step 3. Toss in the broccoli. Don’t be afraid if it looks like a lot at first—it shrinks down a bit and balances out the beef.

Step 4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour that sauce into the skillet and stir everything around so the beef and broccoli get well coated.

Step 5. Add the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce thickens. It should cling to the broccoli and beef like a glossy jacket.

Step 6. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot over your favorite rice and enjoy the applause from your dinner table.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Tip one. Use lean beef. Greasy stir fry is not fun, so lean ground beef keeps it light. This ties back to why it’s one of my favorite ground beef healthy recipes—it’s satisfying without being heavy.

Tip two. Don’t overcook the broccoli. Nobody likes mushy broccoli. Aim for tender but still with a bite. It should hold its bright green color and snap when you chew it.

Tip three. Make the sauce before you start cooking. Stir fry moves quickly and you don’t want to be measuring soy sauce while your garlic burns in the pan.

Tip four. Rice is optional but recommended. This dish is strong enough to stand alone, but ladling it over rice makes it feel complete.

6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Ahead of Time

I love making this dish ahead when I know the week will be hectic. It holds up surprisingly well in the fridge and reheats without turning into a soggy mess. The beef stays flavorful and the broccoli, if slightly undercooked during prep, keeps a nice texture even after reheating.

Here’s my trick: cook everything except the sauce, then store the cooked beef and broccoli in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a pan and pour in the sauce fresh. It makes the dish taste like it was made from scratch, even on day three.

7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Leftovers should go into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for three days. I’ve reheated this in the microwave and on the stove, and both work fine. If using the microwave, add a splash of water so the sauce loosens up again.

Don’t freeze this dish. The broccoli texture doesn’t hold up well once thawed. Fresh is always better here.

8) Try these Ground Beef Recipes next!

9) Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe