Ground Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

This easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a cozy weeknight dinner that tastes just like takeout but is lighter and better for you. The jasmine rice absorbs a savory tamari garlic and ginger sauce with just enough honey to balance the saltiness. It is perfect for busy nights meal prep lunches or whenever you want a fast satisfying onebowl meal.

I first made this dish when craving takeout without the extra grease and salt. Now it’s a family favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Jasmine rice: For its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture choose a quality brand for the best result
• Water and a pinch of salt: To cook the rice and enhance its flavor
• 90 percent lean ground beef: For a good balance of flavor and less fat
• Fresh broccoli florets: Packed with fiber and vitamins select firm bright green heads without brown spots
• Olive oil: For cooking adds hearthealthy fats
• Garlic: Minced fresh for pungent aromatic flavor
• Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty bright note that lifts the sauce
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and balance flavors
• Tamari: A gluten free soy sauce alternative brings umami and depth
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness in the sauce
• Rice vinegar: For a mild acidity that brightens the dish
• Sesame oil: For a toasty nutty aroma
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce evenly

Instructions

Cook the jasmine rice:

Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium high heat then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let the rice stand covered for 5 minutes then fluff it gently with a fork.

Prep the broccoli and aromatics:

While the rice cooks cut the broccoli into bite size florets if needed and rinse well. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger then set them aside near the stove so they are ready to use.

Mix the stir fry sauce:

Whisk together tamari honey rice vinegar sesame oil and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust with more honey or tamari according to your preference for sweetness or saltiness.

Cook the broccoli:

Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add one to two teaspoons of olive oil then add the broccoli florets. Cook while stirring often for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green. Add a splash of water cover the pan and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until just crisp tender. Transfer broccoli to a bowl and set aside.

Brown the ground beef:

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and keep the heat at medium high. Add the ground beef sea salt and black pepper breaking the meat into small crumbles with a spoon. Cook stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine beef broccoli and sauce:

Return cooked broccoli to the skillet with the browned beef. Give the stir fry sauce a quick stir then pour it into the pan. Cook while stirring gently until the sauce bubbles thickens and coats the beef and broccoli about 2 to 3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Serve over rice:

Divide the warm jasmine rice among bowls. Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over the rice making sure everyone gets plenty of sauce. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the broccoli remains bright and crisp.

This dish is one of my favorites because of the balance between tender savory beef and crisp bright broccoli. The fresh ginger adds a zing that always reminds me of family dinners where everyone went back for seconds and thirds.

Storage tips

Keep leftovers in airtight containers with rice at the bottom so it soaks up any extra sauce and prevents drying out. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce when needed. Best eaten within three days for optimal freshness but can be frozen for up to two months.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter taste with similar textures. Use low sodium soy sauce if you do not need to avoid gluten but watch salt levels carefully. Replace jasmine rice with riced cauliflower for a low carb grainfree option that cooks quickly.

Serving suggestions

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch. Serve alongside steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad for a more varied meal and add a squeeze of fresh lime or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy tang.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Lean ground beef with about 90% lean content is ideal as it browns well and balances flavor without excess fat.

→ How do I keep broccoli crisp and tender?

Cook broccoli florets over medium-high heat until bright green, then steam briefly covered to achieve crisp-tender texture.

→ Can I substitute the jasmine rice?

Yes, cauliflower rice can be used for a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor and texture balance.

→ What ingredients make up the stir fry sauce?

The sauce combines tamari, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch to create a smooth, savory glaze with subtle sweetness.

→ How do I prevent the beef from steaming during cooking?

Brown the ground beef in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing and flavor development.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well, maintaining a similar flavor profile when paired with the sauce.