30-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

I’m sharing my favorite weeknight dinner recipe that transforms humble ground beef into a restaurant-quality Asian-inspired dish. This quick and easy ground beef and broccoli combines savory flavors with tender vegetables and a rich, silky sauce that will have your family requesting it again and again.

Why This Recipe Works

Unlike traditional beef and broccoli that requires slicing and marinating steak, this version uses ground beef to slash prep time without sacrificing flavor. The sauce achieves the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors while the cornstarch creates that signature glossy coating we all love.

Ingredients

For the Meat Base

• 450g (1 pound) lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup (150g) onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons (10g) garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fresh ginger, minced (or ¼ teaspoon ground)

For the Signature Sauce

• 120ml (½ cup) low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 60ml (¼ cup) water
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45g) brown sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Sea salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Serving

• 1 large head broccoli (about 450g), cut into florets
• 2 cups cooked rice

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions
• Sriracha sauce
• Toasted sesame seeds

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

1. Chop broccoli into even-sized florets
2. Mince garlic and ginger if using fresh
3. Dice onion finely
4. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl until cornstarch is fully dissolved

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Heat large skillet over medium heat
2. Add ground beef and onion
3. Break meat into small pieces while cooking
4. Cook until beef is no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes)
5. Add garlic and ginger during final minute
6. Drain excess fat if desired

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Option 1: Steam Separately

1. Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp (3-4 minutes)

Option 2: One-Pan Method

1. Remove cooked meat mixture to a plate
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan
3. Stir-fry broccoli for 5 minutes until tender-crisp
4. Return meat to pan

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Pour sauce over meat mixture
2. Bring to gentle simmer
3. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens
4. Add water if sauce becomes too thick
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste
6. Add broccoli and toss to coat

Pro Tips

• Use fresh ginger for the best flavor
• Don’t overcook the broccoli – it should remain slightly crisp
• Make extra sauce if you like it saucy
• Toast sesame seeds before using for enhanced flavor

Variations

• Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Storage and Meal Prep

• Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Perfect for meal prep – double the recipe
• Store sauce separately if making ahead

Nutritional Information

Per serving (¼ recipe, excluding rice):

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 28g

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This ground beef and broccoli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and that irresistible Asian-inspired sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s become my go-to recipe for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and the flavors actually improve overnight.