This Saucy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a 20-minute dinner hero that delivers big Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. By using quick-cooking ground beef instead of sliced steak, you skip the marinating time while still getting that savory, satisfying beef-and-broccoli combo everyone loves.
Coated in a homemade ginger-garlic soy glaze, the tender beef and charred broccoli create a sweet and savory masterpiece perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A classic stir-fry balance of salty soy sauce and sweet brown sugar, highlighted by fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of acidity from rice vinegar.
- Texture: Tender, crumbled ground beef contrasts with crisp-tender broccoli that has been seared until slightly blackened for extra depth.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It cooks in one pan in three simple stages.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large nonstick skillet to sear the broccoli and beef without sticking. A medium bowl and whisk are needed to mix the sauce. The ingredients rely on lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a collection of pantry staples like soy sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar to create the glossy sauce.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef – Use 90/10 lean ground beef. It has enough fat for flavor but won’t leave the dish greasy.
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh broccoli is essential here for that “blackened” stir-fry texture. Frozen broccoli will be too soft and watery for this method.
- Soy Sauce – Lower-sodium soy sauce is recommended so the dish doesn’t become too salty as the sauce reduces.
- Ginger & Garlic – Fresh minced ginger and garlic are key to the sauce’s authentic flavor.
- Cornstarch – This thickens the sauce into a glaze that clings to the meat and veggies rather than pooling at the bottom.
- Brown Sugar – Packed light brown sugar adds the necessary sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce.
- Rice Vinegar – A splash of unseasoned rice vinegar adds brightness.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Vegetables – Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be cooked along with the broccoli.
- Spice – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce if you like heat.
- Protein – Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean substitutes for the beef.
How to Make Saucy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and rice vinegar until combined and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of the neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and blackened in spots, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with the kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally to break the meat into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 3 minutes.
- Assemble: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened further and evenly coats the meat and vegetables, about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions (if using). Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the “blackening” step for the broccoli. Letting it sear in the hot oil creates a charred, nutty flavor that mimics wok cooking. If you steam it, you miss out on that depth of flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Whisk the Cornstarch: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold liquids before adding it to the hot pan to prevent lumps.
- Prep Ahead: Stir-fries move fast. Have your sauce mixed and your veggies chopped before you turn on the stove.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If it gets too thick in the pan, splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli? While fresh is best for texture, you can use frozen. Thaw and drain it well first, and skip the long searing step just heat it through at the end.
- Is this gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Steamed jasmine or white rice is the perfect canvas for the saucy beef.
- Garnish: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a professional finish.
- Appetizer: Serve with frozen egg rolls or potstickers for a complete meal.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Sauce: You can whisk the sauce ingredients together up to 3 days in advance and store in a jar in the fridge. Shake well before using.
- Veggie Prep: Chop the broccoli and mince the aromatics the night before to make dinner come together in 10 minutes flat.
Saucy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This Saucy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a 20-minute dinner hero that delivers big Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. By using quick-cooking ground beef instead of sliced steak, you skip the marinating time while still getting that savory, satisfying beef-and-broccoli combo everyone loves. Coated in a homemade ginger-garlic soy glaze, the tender beef and charred broccoli create a sweet and savory masterpiece perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
The Ginger-Soy Glaze
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (approx. 1-inch piece)
- 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
The Stir Fry Base
- 1 lb 90/10 lean ground beef
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets (about 5 1/4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable), divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Steamed white rice
Instructions
Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and rice vinegar. Tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sugar breaks down. Set aside.
Cook the Broccoli
Heat 2 tablespoons of the neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear: Add the broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–7 minutes until they are tender-crisp and blackened in spots. Transfer: Remove the broccoli to a plate or bowl and set aside.
Brown the Beef
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with the kosher salt. Cook: Stir occasionally to break the meat into crumbles. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired, though 90/10 beef shouldn’t produce much.
Thicken Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Simmer: Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and creates a glossy glaze.
Assemble
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Toss: Stir constantly for 3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and everything is coated in the sticky sauce.
Serve
Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Notes
The “Blackening” Technique: Don’t rush step 2. Letting the broccoli sear in the hot oil creates a charred, nutty flavor that mimics high-heat wok cooking. If you just steam it, you miss out on a major layer of flavor.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh broccoli is highly recommended for texture. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain it well first, and skip the long searing step (just heat it through at the end), or it will turn mushy.
Prep Ahead: Stir-fries move fast! Have your sauce mixed and your veggies chopped before you turn on the stove.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce contains cornstarch, so it will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too gluey in the pan, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of Recipe (Beef & Broccoli only)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, beef and broccoli recipe, easy asian dinner, 20 minute meals, ginger soy sauce, ground beef recipes, healthy stir fry
