Print

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 14 reviews

A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry that combines tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 12 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or olive oil)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water in a covered container and shake well to combine. Set this mixture in a cool place. In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil to prepare the sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust sweetness to taste later.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and toss to coat evenly with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper as desired. In the same pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook and crumble the beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add sliced red bell peppers and cook for an additional 1 minute to soften slightly.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to cook gently, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  5. Add the Broccoli Back: Turn heat to low and return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir well to combine and heat everything through evenly. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve immediately over cooked rice for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh broccoli and avoid overcooking to maintain a crisp texture.
  • Adjust the honey in the sauce to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
  • Draining the grease after cooking the ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
  • To make perfectly cooked rice, rinse rice in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, then cook according to package instructions.
  • Use toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor; avoid substituting with regular sesame oil which is stronger and can overpower the dish.