This 15-minute ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is better than takeout – and faster! Packed with umami-rich sauce, tender-crisp broccoli, and 25g of protein per serving, it’s a healthy, one-pan dinner the whole family will love.
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 people |
| Calories | ~320 per serving |
15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli (Better Than Takeout!)
Ingredients
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb 450g lean ground beef (85/15)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce optional, recommended
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water slurry
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- For Garnish optional:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Red chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 3-4 minutes). No need to drain if using lean beef.
- Add broccoli and aromatics: Add broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and slightly tender (if using frozen, cook 1 minute longer).
- Pour in the sauce: Give the whisked sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together. The sauce will start bubbling and thickening immediately.
- Let it thicken: Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
- 15 minutes start to finish – Faster than delivery
- One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor
- High-protein & low-carb – 25g protein per serving
- Better than takeout – Rich umami sauce, no MSG
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults love it
Key Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
For the Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (3-4 minutes).
- Add broccoli and aromatics: Add broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until broccoli turns bright green.
- Pour in the sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour over the beef and broccoli. Stir until it thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Chef Secrets
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Use fresh broccoli | Stays crunchier; frozen works but thaw first |
| Make sauce ahead | Whisk everything except cornstarch slurry |
| Don’t overcook | Beef stays tender, broccoli stays crisp |
| Double the sauce | If you love extra sauce over rice |
| Blanch broccoli first | For extra crisp broccoli, blanch 1 minute before adding |
Variations
| Variation | Ingredients to Add |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use tamari instead of soy sauce |
| Low-Carb / Keto | Serve over cauliflower rice; replace honey with sweetener |
| Vegetarian | Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu |
| Extra Veggies | Add bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn |
| Spicy | Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 18g |
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable rich in sulforaphane, a compound that may help reduce oxidative stress. Healthline explains the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables, including their potential role in supporting immune function and cellular health.
For optimal cooking technique, Serious Eats explains the wok hei technique – the high-heat method that gives authentic stir-fries their distinctive smoky, caramelized flavor. This technique is ideal for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Skillet over medium-low heat, add splash of broth
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but don’t thaw it first. Add directly to the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes longer.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce (sweeter) or 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar.
How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust at the end.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Cook as directed, then portion into meal prep containers with rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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