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Easy 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

ground beef and broccoli stir fry - featured image

A quick and delicious stir fry with tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice (for serving)
  • Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small cup, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook without stirring too much for 2-3 minutes until browned, then stir occasionally until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly charred. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour into the pan. Bring to a simmer. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and pour it in, stirring quickly. Let bubble for 30-60 seconds until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Remove from heat immediately. Stir to coat beef and broccoli evenly in sauce.
  6. Serve immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

High heat is key for a good sear. Prep all ingredients before cooking (mise en place). For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice and use a keto-friendly sweetener. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef stir fry, broccoli stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, 15 minute meal, easy stir fry