Picture this: savory ground beef sizzling in a hot pan, mingling with tender, vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that smells absolutely divine. That’s exactly what’s in store with this Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe.
This dish has roots in classic Asian stir-fry traditions, where quick cooking over high heat locks in flavor and freshness. It’s like bringing a cozy, bustling street market right into your kitchen—trust me, you’re going to love this! Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also a total weeknight lifesaver when you want something hearty, healthy-ish, and crazy delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli for you? Let’s see. Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli is…
- Incredibly Fast: On the table in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with umami goodness.
- Perfectly Textured: Tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and veggies, without feeling heavy.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings, add extra veggies, or spice it up however you like!
Quick Tip: Want extra saucy stir fry? Double the sauce ingredients—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients in Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here’s the magic of this stir fry—it’s made with a handful of simple ingredients that create bold, mouthwatering flavor. Let’s break it down:
Coconut Oil: Adds a light, slightly tropical note and ensures everything cooks evenly without sticking.
Ground Beef: Rich and hearty, the beef soaks up all the savory sauce and becomes irresistibly juicy.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings a pungent, slightly sweet depth that’s essential for any great stir fry.
White Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and a touch of crunch to balance the richness of the beef.
Broccoli Florets: Bright, green, and just the right amount of crunchy; they bring freshness and nutrition to the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but vital for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Chopped Green Onions: (Optional) For a fresh, peppery finish that adds color and zing.
For the Sauce:
Coconut Aminos: A gluten-free, slightly sweeter alternative to soy sauce that keeps the dish Whole30/Paleo friendly.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—this adds a deep, toasty flavor that screams “authentic stir fry!”
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the richness with a pop of tangy brightness.
Ground Ginger: Warm and spicy, it weaves through the sauce beautifully. (Or use fresh ginger for even more kick!)
Bone Broth: Adds richness and body to the sauce; beef broth works perfectly too.
Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness to round out the savory and umami notes. (Omit if you’re keeping it Whole30.)
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and diced white onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, bone broth, and honey (if using).
Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with chopped green onions if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate it up hot and get ready to savor every juicy, flavorful bite!
How to make Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with sesame oil for a refreshing side.
Crusty Bread: While unconventional, a slice of rustic sourdough can be perfect to mop up any extra sauce.
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of yogurt-based garlic sauce takes this dish to another level.
Vegetable Sides: Add roasted baby carrots or blistered green beans for extra color and flavor.
As a Standalone: Honestly, it’s hearty enough all by itself—especially for a cozy, satisfying dinner!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
How to serve Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli?
- Over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Tossed with cooked noodles for an easy stir fry noodle bowl
- Inside lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy twist
- With a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory combo
- On its own with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Chop your onion, garlic, and broccoli the night before to make dinner even faster.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Double the Batch: This freezes beautifully—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal later!
Tips & Variations/Quick Tips:
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish.
- Swap broccoli for broccolini, snap peas, or asparagus if you want to mix things up.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a little extra crunch and flavor.
- For a Whole30 version, omit honey and stick with coconut aminos.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken work great—just note they’re a bit leaner, so you might want to add a splash more oil to keep it juicy.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to freshen it up.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat when ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Double all ingredients and use a large pan to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves minced
- ½ white onion diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets about 1 medium stalk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions optional, for topping
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce if not Whole30/Paleo
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger or 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
- ¼ cup bone broth or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey omit for Whole30
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, melt coconut oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the beef cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, ginger, bone broth, and honey. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet.
- Add a little more coconut oil if needed, then sauté garlic and onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broccoli and Sauce:
- Stir the sauce and broccoli into the beef mixture.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over cauliflower rice and top with chopped green onions, if desired.
