If you’re in the market for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that comes together in under half an hour, look no further than this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Every bite is loaded with tender-crisp broccoli, savory ground beef, and an irresistible, glossy sauce with just the right punch of garlic, ginger, and umami. Whether you’re feeding the family on a hectic weeknight or just want something nourishing that’s better than takeout, this recipe is an absolute kitchen hero—and it’s sure to end up on your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes that creates something spectacular out of staple ingredients you probably already have. Each one plays a key role in building deep, satisfying flavors and a vibrant, beautiful dish in minutes.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking and helps everything sear nicely without sticking.
- Ground beef: The main event—juicy, savory, and full of flavor; choose leaner beef for less grease and easier cleanup.
- Broccoli florets: A pop of green and a welcome crunch; use fresh for extra snap but frozen is just as delicious and super convenient.
- Garlic: Three cloves for that essential aromatic kick that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The base of your savory sauce; low-sodium keeps things balanced but still flavorful.
- Oyster sauce: Brings richness and deep umami flavor with just a touch of sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Offsets the salt and amplifies the caramel notes in the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon delivers a toasted, nutty aroma that makes the dish memorable.
- Ground ginger: Warm spice and gentle heat, adding depth to every bite.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This “slurry” thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
- Water or beef broth: Helps form the sauce; beef broth adds even more meaty richness.
- Cooked white rice for serving: The classic base—fluffy, absorbent, and ideal for catching every drop of sauce.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional): A finishing touch for extra flavor and a burst of color on top.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart. Let it cook until fully browned and there are no pink spots left—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a cleaner, lighter dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli
When the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. You’ll notice a fragrant aroma that builds the flavor base. Next, add the broccoli florets, tossing them together. If your broccoli is fresh, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes; if using frozen, give it 5 to 6 minutes. The broccoli should turn bright green, tender, but still with a pleasant, crisp bite.
Step 3: Make and Add the Sauce
While the broccoli cooks, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and a splash of water or beef broth in a small bowl. Pour this over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well, making sure every piece is coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken things up, stir in your cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked with 2 tablespoons water). Keep cooking for another 2 or 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened into a luxurious glaze and the broccoli is perfectly tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Take the skillet off the heat and spoon generous helpings of your Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe over steaming bowls of white rice. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing flourish, then dig in while it’s hot and full of flavor!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions add freshness, color, and a little crunch, making each portion inviting and extra tasty. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top works wonders, too.
Side Dishes
While this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is totally satisfying on its own with rice, it pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad, roasted edamame, or steamed dumplings. For more crunch, add a side of pickled vegetables to brighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the beef and broccoli on top of noodles for an Asian-inspired twist, or load it into lettuce wraps for a fun hand-held version. Kids love it layered inside a warm tortilla for a fusion-style taco, and extra sauce makes a lovely topping for baked potatoes, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for healthy, ready-to-go lunches or quick reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, portion cooled beef and broccoli into freezer-safe bags or containers. The dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date and leave a little space in the container for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers (covered) until hot, stirring once halfway through. You can also gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the sauce and keep everything tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work wonderfully as lighter alternatives in this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Just swap in an equal amount and follow the same steps for a leaner, delicious twist.
Should I thaw frozen broccoli first?
If you have a few extra minutes, thawing frozen broccoli slightly helps it cook more evenly and prevents excess water in the skillet. But if you’re short on time, you can add it straight from the freezer—just cook it a bit longer until fully heated through.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens more than you’d like, add a splash of water or broth and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, the cornstarch continues to thicken as it sits, so doing this just before serving is perfect.
What can I do to add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for extra crunch and color. This recipe is super flexible, and additional vegetables make it even more vibrant and nutritious!
Is the Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free. Serve over rice or gluten-free noodles for a satisfying meal everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
With bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and lightning-fast prep, you’ll soon see why this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a dinnertime favorite. Give it a try and savor just how easy, tasty, and versatile homemade comfort food can be—don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with savory flavors and tender-crisp broccoli, all served over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
Additional:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, brown the ground beef, and drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Sauté minced garlic, add broccoli, and cook until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and water. Pour over beef and broccoli.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
- Enhance with red bell pepper or carrots for added color and nutrients.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (without rice)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
