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A bowl of seasoned ground beef and broccoli served over rice.

Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This quick and flavorful ground beef and broccoli stir-fry combines lean ground beef with fresh broccoli florets in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious, protein-packed meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 cup beef broth low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90% lean recommended
  • 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For Serving
  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced diagonally
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil until well combined and the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
Cook the Beef
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and increase heat to high.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. If needed, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cover for 1 minute to help steam the broccoli.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Add the red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Give the sauce a quick stir (the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over the beef and vegetables.
  4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coats everything nicely.
Serve
  1. Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust red pepper flakes to desired spice level. Leftovers store well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.