If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge wondering how to transform basic ingredients like ground beef and broccoli into something crave-worthy, this Thai-inspired ground beef and broccoli stir fry is your answer. It’s a dish that delivers bold, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal prep and just one skillet. Think of it as a fusion between your favorite takeout and those simple weeknight meals we all lean on when time is tight. It’s also a fantastic way to clear out the fridge, giving you the freedom to throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Whether you're exploring ground beef and vegetable recipes or adding to your weeknight supper ideas, this one brings it all together in a sizzling, saucy stir fry that practically makes itself.
Thai-Inspired Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Thai
Large nonstick skillet or wok Essential for achieving a good sear on the beef and a slight char on the veggies. A cast iron pan also works well for that skillet-style heat.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula Perfect for stir-frying without scratching your pan.
Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board To make prep a breeze.
Small Mixing Bowl For the sauce—it’s easier to mix ahead of time than scrambling during cooking.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: Use 85% lean or higher for less grease. Ground beef is the star here giving the dish a rich, hearty base.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli holds its crunch better but frozen works too (just thaw and pat dry).
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced finely for that punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger: Fresh and grated—don’t skip it.
- 2 green onions: For garnish and a mild oniony bite.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Low-sodium is a good choice if you're watching salt.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a deeper umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Optional but adds authenticity.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and spice.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Thai chili optional: For heat lovers.
Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds nutty depth.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil vegetable, canola, or avocado: For sautéing.
Optional Add-ins and Swaps
- This stir fry is as flexible as you need it to be. Here are some great add-ins:
- Snow peas or baby corn: Adds crunch and color.
- Sliced mushrooms: Great for umami-rich bulk especially if exploring vegan beef and broccoli alternatives.
- Cashews or peanuts: Add near the end for texture.
- Cooked noodles: Turn it into a one-pan beef and broccoli noodles dish.
- Pre-cooked rice: Toss in some day-old rice and you've got a Thai-style ground beef and rice recipe.
Mix the Sauce
Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili flakes, and water in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
In your skillet over medium-high heat, warm the neutral oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until fully browned and just slightly crispy on the edges—about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics
Move the beef to one side of the skillet. In the space you’ve cleared, add the sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
Toss in the Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3–5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, give it a head start by microwaving it for 1–2 minutes first.
Pour in the Sauce
Stir the sauce into the beef and veggie mix. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and everything is coated evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the green onions and any optional garnishes like cilantro, peanuts, or extra lime juice.
Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
What to Serve With Thai-Inspired Ground Beef and Broccoli
This stir fry is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can round out your meal beautifully:
- Steamed jasmine rice: Soaks up all that savory sauce.
- Stir-fried noodles: Great if you're into beef and broccoli noodles.
- Thai cucumber salad: Offers cooling contrast with crunch and acidity.
- Spring rolls or egg rolls: If you're planning a themed meal or looking for easy appetizers.
Hosting a casual dinner? Offer some sticky rice and Thai iced tea to really set the scene.
Creative Variations
Looking to stretch the recipe or give it a twist for leftovers? Try these variations:
- Broccoli stir fry bowls: Top with a soft-boiled egg and serve in a bowl with rice and pickled veggies.
- Keto hamburger bowl: Ditch the rice and load it up with shredded cabbage, zoodles, and avocado.
- Ground beef and veggie lettuce wraps: Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, handheld dinner.
- Broccoli skillet bake: Transfer the stir fry into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes—yes, it's fusion, but it works.
These ideas make it easy to get multiple meals out of one recipe, while still keeping things exciting and fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I make this with other ground meats?
Definitely. Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work well. They absorb the Thai-inspired sauce just as effectively and are great if you’re experimenting with more ground beef and broccoli stir fry variations using what you have on hand.
2. What kind of broccoli works best?
Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, as they hold up better to the heat and stay vibrant. However, if frozen broccoli is all you have, just make sure to thaw and dry it before cooking to prevent sogginess.
3. Is this dish spicy?
It’s customizable. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or skipping them altogether.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the broccoli may soften after reheating.
5. Can this dish be made low-carb?
Absolutely. Swap the rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own. With the right ingredients, it easily fits into keto hamburger or low-carb meal plans.
