EASY GROUND BEEF & BROCCOLI STIR FRY (Better Than Takeout!)

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen on one of those busy weeknights thinking, “I need something fast, comforting, and just absolutely delicious,” this easy ground beef & broccoli stir fry is exactly the kind of minute meal you’ll want in your back pocket.

It’s cozy, saucy, a little sweet, a little savory, and absolutely loaded with fresh ingredients that make your whole family perk up the moment it hits the table.

Plus – it uses simple ingredients (mostly pantry staples) and cooks in about 10 minutes once the beef hits the hot pan. Truly the best way to turn a pound of ground beef into something irresistable.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

• It’s a quick weeknight meal that tastes like your favorite Chinese food takeout.
• Uses lean ground beef, but you can swap in ground turkey or ground chicken.
• The savory sauce is glossy, thick, and full of great flavor thanks to coconut aminos, and brown sugar.
• Works with white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice.
• Perfect for meal prep – it reheats beautifully in an airtight container.
• A great freezer meal if you double the batch and freeze the cooked beef + sauce.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s everything that goes into this beef & broccoli stir fry recipe:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef sauteed in a drizzle of olive oil
• ½ tsp ground ginger (or grate in a little fresh ginger)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ⅔ cup water or beef broth
• ⅔ cup coconut aminos (these specific ones are a must to perfect the flavor)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups cooked broccoli (or fresh broccoli florets quickly steamed until crisp-tender)
• Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, snap peas, water chestnuts, red bell pepper, bell peppers, fresh garlic, green onions, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles

HOW TO MAKE IT (Step-by-Step)

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add your ground beef and break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef cooks and becomes browned, drain if needed.

2. Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl or Pyrex measuring cup, whisk together your sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil. It becomes a quick sauce that thickens beautifully once the stir fry cooks.

3. Combine & Simmer

Pour the sauce over your cooked beef. Stir and let it bubble for 4–5 minutes until glossy and thick. If it gets too thick, lower heat and splash in a little water.

4. Add the Broccoli

Fold in your crisp-tender broccoli. If using fresh, blanch it quickly and dunk in an ice bath to keep that gorgeous green color.

5. Serve

Spoon everything over white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice. Optional – sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for that classic beef stir fry finish.

VARIATIONS & ADD-INS

Swap beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or thin-sliced flank steak.

• Add snap peas, red bell pepper, or water chestnuts for crunch.
• Use less sugar if you prefer a lighter sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

STORAGE & MEAL PREP TIPS

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freeze the beef + sauce (without broccoli or rice) for a great freezer meal.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

SERVING IDEAS

• Over white rice or brown rice
• Tossed with lo mein noodles
• Topped with crunchy chow mein noodles
• As a quick protein for whole grains bowls

PIN IT FOR LATER!

This easy beef stir fry is one of my favorite ways to turn everyday ingredients into something that feels special. It’s fast, flexible, and full of so much flavor – the kind of dish that makes a busy night feel a little calmer once everyone is gathered around the dinner table.

Blessings,