If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and ready in just about 30 minutes, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the answer! It’s a savory-sweet medley of ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and colorful veggies, all swimming in a glossy homemade sauce that soaks beautifully into a bowl of fluffy rice. Get ready to fall hard for your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Weeknight Hero: This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of rich beef, crisp broccoli, and a luscious savory sauce makes each bite absolutely irresistible for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable Goodness: You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or clean out the veggie drawer, making this stir fry both flexible and foolproof.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in the same skillet or wok, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is just how approachable and forgiving the ingredient list is! Each element plays a starring role, from the juicy ground beef to the vibrant veggies and that incredibly luscious, homemade sauce.
- Peanut oil (1 tablespoon): Offers a gorgeous nutty flavor and high smoke point for those beautiful sautéed veggies. You can swap for vegetable or olive oil if desired.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): The signature crunch and color in this stir fry! Fresh or thawed frozen broccoli works — just make sure they’re dry for the best sear.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Using ground beef makes cooking fast and extra savory. It nestles into the sauce for perfect flavor in every bite.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth as it simmers with the beef.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Adds a gentle sweetness and vivid color contrast—such a simple way to brighten up the pan!
- Salt & white pepper: Brings out all the flavors, with the white pepper giving a subtle, earthy heat. Go easy and taste as you cook!
- Cornstarch + cold water (2 tbsp each): This duo thickens your sauce for that classic Chinese takeout sheen and satisfying ‘cling’ to every morsel.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Deepens the umami base of your sauce beyond what water alone could do. Choose low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Savory, salty, and complex—it’s the backbone of the sauce. Feel free to use low-sodium here, too.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp, packed): Balances the savory notes with a mellow, caramelized sweetness that throws the flavor into overdrive.
- Honey (1–2 tbsp): Adds a round, floral sweetness and gorgeous gloss, with the flexibility to use a little or a lot to suit your tastes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for punchy aromatics—stir it in for that irresistible stir-fry aroma!
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Delivers warmth and a gentle zing that works so well with beef and veggies.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tsp): Swirl it in at the end for that unmistakable nutty richness that elevates the whole dish.
- Cooked rice (3 cups): Classic, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all those gorgeous juices. Any variety works—make it your own!
Variations
The brilliant thing about Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is just how easy it is to mix things up and suit your mood, pantry, or food sensitivities. Think of this recipe as a template: you get to play!
- Swap the Protein: This dish shines with ground turkey or chicken—just cook as directed for a lighter but equally delicious alternative.
- Try Different Veggies: Toss in julienned carrots, water chestnuts, snap peas, celery, or kale for fresh crunch and color. You can even use a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies for ultimate ease.
- Lower Sodium: Choose reduced-sodium soy sauce and beef broth if you’re watching your salt intake—it’s just as flavorful but gentler on your palate.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and double check your beef broth—voilà, celiac-friendly comfort food!
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep the Sauce & Veggies
Before you turn on the stove, whisk your cornstarch and cold water together in a little covered container—shake until smooth and set aside somewhere cool. In a separate bowl, mix up the rest of your sauce ingredients, starting with just one tablespoon of honey. Chop your onions, slice the bell pepper, and make sure your broccoli florets are clean and dry. Prepping everything up front means this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry happens in a flash!
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat your peanut oil over medium in a large skillet or wok. Add the broccoli and toss it to coat. Let it cook for 4–5 minutes—you’re looking for bright green color and just a touch of tender bite. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside. Don’t skip this step: sautéing the broccoli first helps it retain its wonderful texture in the finished dish.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Crank the heat to medium-high and add your ground beef and diced onions. Sprinkle with salt and white pepper. Let everything cook, crumbling the beef as you stir, until it’s richly browned and the onions are tender. Drain off any excess fat, then add in the sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another minute—just until the bell pepper softens and releases a pop of color.
Step 4: Add the Sauce & Thicken
Pour your premixed sauce over the beef and veggies. Bring it all to a simmer and let the flavors meld for 2–3 minutes. Now, give your cornstarch slurry a quick shake and pour it slowly into the bubbling skillet. Watch as the sauce transforms, turning thick and glossy in just a minute or two!
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Reduce the heat to low and return the sautéed broccoli to the pan. Fold everything together, letting the veggies warm and the sauce cling to every little piece. Taste and add extra honey if you’d like a sweeter finish. Serve generously over bowls of steaming rice, and don’t forget the toppings—a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds makes it magic!
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Crisp-Tender Broccoli Every Time: Don’t overcook your broccoli in the first step—just a quick sear ensures it stays vibrant and crisp when you stir it back in!
- Control Your Sauce Thickness: Stir the cornstarch slurry in slowly and stop when you reach your preferred consistency—the sauce will thicken even more as it cools.
- Layer the Flavors: Sauté your onions and beef together for maximum flavor infusion. Let the onions sweat and caramelize as the beef browns!
- Rice Perfection, Every Time: For extra-flavorful rice, try simmering it in broth with a bouillon cube (as in the notes)—it’s a simple touch that makes every bite special.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
This stir fry truly comes to life with a shower of simple garnishes! Try sliced green onions for freshness, toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or a handful of crushed peanuts for extra texture. If you love a little heat, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha makes each serving pop.
Side Dishes
Of course, fluffy rice is traditional (white, brown, or even jasmine!), but don’t stop there—this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is wonderful with steamed dumplings, veggie spring rolls, or a fresh Asian cucumber salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it over noodles or even cauliflower rice for extra veggie power.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your table? Try serving the stir fry piled high in a shallow bowl with the rice on the side, or fill crisp lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal. Mini meal prep containers work great for grab-and-go lunches, and you can even sprinkle a little sesame oil or extra honey right before serving for a glossy, restaurant-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry keeps beautifully in the fridge! Cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch extra tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, divide cooled stir fry (alone or with rice) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat for easy stacking and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps preserve the best texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat single servings in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. For larger batches, warm it in a skillet over low heat, with a splash of water or extra broth to loosen the sauce if needed. The broccoli may soften a bit, but the flavors remain amazing!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen broccoli completely and pat it very dry with a kitchen towel before sautéing. This step ensures you get that lovely crisp-tender texture and avoid excess water in the pan.
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What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this recipe—they soak up the sauce just as well and offer a lighter flavor. You could also use plant-based ground “beef” for a vegetarian twist, just check your labels for allergens if needed!
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How do I keep my stir fry sauce from getting too thick?
Go slowly with the cornstarch slurry—pour a little, stir, and let it simmer. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of extra beef broth or water until you reach the perfect consistency.
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Can I make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
Totally! You can prep the sauce, chop veggies, and even cook rice ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge, then just do a final quick stir fry for a speedy meal—ideal for busy nights or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is calling your name. It’s so customizable and easy, there’s really no reason not to put it on regular rotation. I hope it becomes one of those go-to dishes you come back to again and again—happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stir-Frying
Description
A delicious and easy ground beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe with a flavorful sauce served over rice. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Stir-Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/White Pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice, any kind
Instructions
- Prep Work
Combine cornstarch + 2 Tablespoons water in a covered container and shake to combine. Place in a cool location.
Combine remaining sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add another at the end if desired.
- Cook the Broccoli
Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Beef
Season the beef with salt/white pepper if desired. Cook and crumble the ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain grease. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the Sauce
Add sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Let it simmer/reduce for 2-3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch mixture, then slowly stir it into the sauce. Let it continue to bubble gently until desired thickness is obtained.
- Add the Broccoli Back
Reduce heat to low. Add broccoli back and stir to combine and heat through. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.
Notes
- Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken may also be used in this recipe.
- Frozen Broccoli may also be used. Thaw and pat dry before using.
- Ingredient Additions include julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, kale, and more.
- Topping Options include green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds, chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds.
- To Control the Sodium, use low sodium soy sauce and/or reduced sodium broth.
- Process for Perfectly Cooked Rice provided in the notes.
- Varieties of rice may require different cooking methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
