Ground Beef and Broccoli is one of those genuinely satisfying meals that perfectly balances savory flavors and vibrant colors. In just under 40 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that features tender pieces of ground beef mixed with crisp broccoli in a rich soy-based sauce. The best part? It’s an easy ground beef and broccoli recipe that takes simply a handful of ingredients, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

I vividly remember the first time I made this dish. I was a young culinary explorer, eager to create something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. The aroma wafting through my home while the beef and broccoli cooked together was enough to bring my family to the dinner table in record time. This dish not only pleases the palate, but it’s also a budget-friendly winner that will quickly earn a spot in your family’s regular rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without much fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a deliciously savory profile with a hint of sweetness that’s truly addicting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With bright green broccoli and the rich hues of seasoned beef, this meal is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving guests at a casual gathering; this recipe fits the bill for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this dish to be gluten-free or use a plant-based substitute for the ground beef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color and crunch. You can substitute with frozen broccoli if you’re short on time.
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This forms the base of the sauce, providing a tangy umami flavor without too much sodium. Feel free to use tamari for a gluten-free option.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and richness to the dish; you can skip it for a vegetarian version or replace it with a soy sauce substitute.
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: It offers a touch of sweetness; if you don’t have this, you can use a splash of white wine mixed with a bit of sugar.
1 tablespoon honey: This balances the flavors and gives the dish a slight sweetness. Maple syrup can work as a substitute.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses a bold flavor. If using powder, reduce to ¼ teaspoon.
1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh minced ginger: Provides warmth and spice; fresh ginger will give a more vibrant flavor.
4 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully, making it cling to the vegetables and beef. If you’re looking for a substitute, you could use arrowroot powder.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: A few drops of this oil contribute a toasty richness, adding a layer of flavor to your dish.
1 pound 93% lean ground beef: This lean beef keeps the dish hearty without being overly greasy. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion (not diced): Chopped onion adds sweetness and texture. Red onion can also be used for a sharper taste.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning; adjust these based on your dietary preferences.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnishing, these add a nice crunch and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Bright and fresh, these onions not only add color but also a mild onion flavor; you can substitute with chives if needed.
Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): An excellent side option to soak up the delicious sauce. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can serve as alternatives.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Prep Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 12-inch skillet. Add enough water to cover the florets halfway up the sides. Bring it to a boil over HIGH heat, then reduce to LOW, cover, and simmer for about 2 minutes—this should make them tender yet crisp. As soon as they’re barely fork-tender, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside. Wipe the skillet dry; we’ll need it in a moment.

Whisk Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon ginger paste. Add 4 teaspoons cornstarch and whisk until thoroughly combined. Set this gorgeous sauce aside and let the flavors meld.

Cook Beef and Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same skillet over MEDIUM heat. Add 1 pound 93% lean ground beef and 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, breaking up the beef while leaving some chunks for texture. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onion has begun to soften. If there’s excess grease, drain it off, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Toss in the partially cooked broccoli and the prepped stir fry sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve: Finally, plate up your delightful easy ground beef and broccoli. Garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions. Serve over warm rice if desired, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the ground beef and broccoli cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the broccoli might lose some crunch after reheating, so enjoy it fresh if possible!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before adding the beef to sear it properly, allowing for maximum flavor.
When mixing the sauce, ensure there are no lumps of cornstarch for a smooth texture.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; you want it to maintain some crispness for that satisfying crunch.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas based on what you have on hand.

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a reliable choice that you can depend on for robust flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you’re keeping it simple for a weeknight dinner or impressing loved ones, this dish is sure to please.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just follow the same instructions for cooking, ensuring everything is cooked through.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari. Additionally, double-check your oyster sauce for gluten-free certification, or use a substitute that contains no gluten.

What can I serve with this dish?

Easy ground beef and broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa. You might also consider pairing it with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead! Chop your veggies and mix the sauce earlier in the day. Then, when it’s time to eat, cook everything as directed for a delicious and quick meal.

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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a delightful blend of tender broccoli and savory ground beef, all brought together with a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that tastes amazing and is simple to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound, cut into small florets
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 pound 93% lean ground beef
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion, not diced
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced on the bias
cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving

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Instructions

Place broccoli in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides.
Bring to a boil over HIGH heat, reduce to LOW, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes until fork tender.
Drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking; drain well and set aside.
Wipe the skillet dry for later use.
In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and cornstarch until well combined and set aside.
Heat sesame oil in the skillet over MEDIUM heat, add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is cooked through and the onions soften.
Drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the partially cooked broccoli and the stir-fry sauce, cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
Remove from heat, let it rest for several minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onion before serving with rice.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the ground beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce before cooking.