Dinner

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender beef with fresh vegetables and savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that goes great over rice or on its own.

A white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, a fluffy bed of white rice; in the middle, a mix of cooked ground beef, bright green broccoli florets, and round orange carrot slices; on top, chopped green onions and a drizzle of white sauce with white sesame seeds sprinkled across. The dish is held by a woman's hand on the left side, and a pair of gold chopsticks rest on the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lb. ground beef
1 teaspoon sea salt (plus additional for vegetables)
⅓ cup Japanese BBQ sauce (or stir fry sauce, adjust for sauciness)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ large yellow onion, diced
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli, cut into pieces
2 large carrots, sliced into coins
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1 tablespoon ginger paste or 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
½ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 green onions, diced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon sea salt. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until almost browned. Stir in the Japanese BBQ sauce, toss, and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, broccoli, and carrots, then season with salt. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the garlic and ginger paste to the vegetables, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Step 5: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Return the cooked beef to the skillet to warm through.
Step 6: Serve the beef and vegetables on their own or over white rice. Garnish with diced green onions and sesame seeds. For extra kick, add sriracha or kewpie mayonnaise if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Substitute broccoli with snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers for different textures.
Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to control how saucy the beef is.
For an extra nutty flavor, toast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a brown rim holds a layered dish starting with a base layer of fluffy white rice. On top, there is a colorful mix of cooked ground beef, bright green broccoli pieces, and sliced orange carrots scattered evenly. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions, a drizzle of light creamy sauce, and some sesame seeds on top. A long gold spoon is placed resting inside the bowl. Nearby, two small white bowls contain chopped green onions and sesame seeds, all set on a white marbled surface with a gold fork and soft white cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your BBQ or stir fry sauce is gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid hidden gluten.

Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Absolutely. Dice the vegetables and measure sauces in advance to save time on cooking day. Ground beef can be seasoned and partially cooked ahead, then finished when ready to serve.