If you're craving the bold, savory flavors of Chinese food but need something quick, healthy, non-traditional and 100% gluten-free—this easy gluten free beef and broccoli recipe is the weeknight recipe your whole family will love! It’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, comes together in just 30 minutes, and tastes just as good as your favorite takeout!
If you love the flavor profile of this easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry, you will love my egg roll in a bowl, air-fryer salmon bites, and my slow cooker honey garlic chicken!
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Ingredients
Each ingredient in this broccoli stir-fry recipe plays an important role in bringing that satisfying, umami-packed flavor to life:
- White or brown rice – A neutral base to soak up every drop of sauce (you could also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option).
- Low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos – A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that brings the savory sauce to life.
- Water – Helps form the base of your stir fry sauce and allows everything to simmer beautifully.
- Rice vinegar – Adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Sesame oil – A little goes a long way to deliver that signature Asian-inspired flavor.
- Brown sugar – Balances the salty and umami notes with a hint of sweetness.
- Corn starch – Thickens the sauce so it beautifully coats the beef and broccoli.
- Fresh ginger – Adds warmth and zest (sub with ground ginger if needed).
- Garlic cloves, minced – Boosts that classic stir-fry aroma and flavor.
- Avocado Oil or Olive oil- Adds healthy fats to the dish.
- Pre-cut broccoli florets – Using fresh broccoli florets makes prep easier and ensures a tender-crisp texture.
- Lean ground beef – A quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the flavor for a juicy, satisfying bite.
Optional:
- Sesame Seeds to Garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes to Garnish
- Scallions To Garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions. You can use white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb swap.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari (or coconut aminos), water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic cloves, freshly grated ginger and corn starch then set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli florets. Cover and cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes, or until broccoli is tender, then remove from the pan.
4. Step 4: Add an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Step 5: Pour in your stir-fry sauce and bring to a simmer. Toss your broccoli florets back in to the pan until heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve hot over rice, and top with green onions, sesame seeds, or even red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Substitutions
- Ground beef: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sliced flank steak or sirloin steak for a twist.
- Tamari sauce: Swap with coconut aminos for soy-free or gluten-free soy sauce if preferred.
- Corn starch: Use arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or tapioca flour for thickening the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice works in a pinch.
- Brown sugar: Try coconut sugar or a drizzle of honey for a refined sugar-free version.
- Vegetarian: use tofu or tempeh to make this recipe vegetarian.
This recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free
Variations
- Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, bok choy, or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Low-Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice to make it lower carb.
- Extras: Top with spicy mayo, a soft egg, or a splash of orange juice for flavor flair!
Equipment
To make this gluten free beef and broccoli recipe, all you need is a:
- Large skillet or large wok
- Small bowl for sauce
- Cutting board and chef’s knife (if you need to chop your own broccoli)
- Rice cooker (optional)
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until warm throughout. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and delicious the next day too!
Dietitian Tip
For a balanced plate, pair this gluten-free beef and broccoli recipe with a side of fresh produce like a cucumber salad. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy carbs is a great way to support energy and blood sugar stability—especially for those managing food allergies or celiac disease.
FAQ
Yes, just steam it lightly first so it doesn't water down the stir-fry.
Definitely. Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak sliced thinly will give you that tender beef feel.
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili peppers.
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, skip the rice and just freeze the beef and broccoli mixture.
Dinner
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Meal Prep
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30 minute Gluten-Free Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or large wok
- Small bowl for sauce
- Cutting board and chef’s knife (if you need to chop your own broccoli)
- Rice cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Dry White or brown rice
- ⅓ Cup Low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos
- ⅔ Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1.5 Tablespoons Corn starch
- 1 Teaspoon Freshly grated ginger – sub with ground ginger if needed.
- 3-4 Garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil or Olive oil
- 1 Bag (10-12 ounces) Pre-cut broccoli florets
- 1 pound Lean ground beef 93/7
Optional:
- Sesame Seeds to Garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes to Garnish
- Scallions To Garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions. You can use white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb swap.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari (or coconut aminos), water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic cloves, freshly grated ginger and corn starch then set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli florets. Cover and cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes, or until broccoli is tender, then remove from the pan.
- Step 4: Add an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Step 5: Pour in your stir-fry sauce and bring to a simmer. Toss your broccoli florets back in to the pan until heated through.
- Step 6: Serve hot over rice, and top with green onions, sesame seeds, or even red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 160 F.
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Ally says
This dish was so delicious! The whole family loved it and my husband who usually isn’t a fan of beef and broccoli loved this version. Adding to our rotation. Also, it actually took less than 30 minutes!
Jeanne Stanley says
This was amazing! I’ve tried lots of your recipes. Always easy, always good!
Rachel says
Amazing!! Even my very picky 4 and 6 year old loved it. Adding to our rotation!