Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner idea that the whole family will enjoy? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tender vegetables, lean beef, and a savory homemade sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Unlike takeout, this beef and broccoli stir fry is budget-friendly and easy to prepare with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something homemade, wholesome, and full of flavor without spending hours cooking.
This recipe is also versatile: you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use fresh or frozen broccoli, and even add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or water chestnuts. Served over rice, it becomes a complete and balanced meal that works well for both adults and kids.
Whether you’re looking for healthy ground beef recipes, a quick family dinner, or a delicious stir fry with vegetables, this dish checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it might just become one of your favorite easy dinner recipes to make again and again!
How to Make It
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the broccoli for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender, then set aside. Add the ground beef and onion to the pan, cooking over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another minute.
Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a light boil. Let it simmer and reduce for 2–3 minutes. Shake the chilled cornstarch mixture and slowly whisk it into the sauce. Allow it to bubble gently until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Lower the heat, return the broccoli to the pan, and toss everything together until heated through. Finish with green onions on top and serve right away.
Pro Tips
Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you like. You can also try this with chicken breast for a classic stir fry.
Frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and dry it before cooking.
Great add-ins include carrots, water chestnuts, celery, kale, and more.
Toppings to try: sesame seeds, peanuts, chow mein noodles, green onions, or sliced almonds.
For less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or broth. Note that salt levels vary by brand.
Rice tip: Cook with chicken bouillon for added flavor, then let it rest covered for 10 minutes after simmering to help loosen the grains.
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. This dish reheats and freezes very well!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp peanut oil (or substitute vegetable/olive oil)
3 cups broccoli florets, washed and dried
1 lb ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Salt and white pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
2 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water
1 cup beef broth
¼ cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar, packed
1–2 Tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
To Serve:
3 cups cooked rice (any variety)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small container, mix the cornstarch with cold water and shake well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust at the end.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef:
Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the sliced red pepper and cook for another minute.
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Finish the Dish:
Reduce heat, add the broccoli back to the skillet, and toss to combine. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot over rice.
Notes:
Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef.
Frozen broccoli works—just thaw and dry it first.
Optional add-ins: carrots, celery, water chestnuts, or kale.
Topping ideas: sesame seeds, peanuts, green onions, chow mein noodles, or almonds.
For lower sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth.
My Method for Perfectly Cooked Rice
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. (For extra flavor, I like to add 2 chicken bouillon cubes.)
Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice and allow the water to return to a boil.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. (I usually keep the heat on low.)
Take the pot off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. This also helps release any grains that may have stuck to the bottom.
The result is about 3 cups of fluffy, flavorful rice. I prefer using a Dutch oven since it distributes heat evenly.
Keep in mind that different rice varieties may need adjusted water ratios or cooking times.
Nutrition Info: Based on 4 servings, with the rice included. Values are approximate and meant as an estimate.
Nutrition:
Calories: 488kcal, Carbohydrates: 65g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 1138mg, Potassium: 842mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 1357IU, Vitamin C: 102mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 4mg