Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just about 25 minutes, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with crisp, vibrant broccoli in a savory, garlicky sauce, all piled high over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, wholesome, and absolutely packed with rich, satisfying flavors—plus, you’ll only need everyday kitchen staples to create a meal that’s both family-friendly and restaurant-worthy. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, spotlighting just a handful of favorite pantry and fridge staples. Every ingredient earns its place, contributing to the dish’s signature flavors, texture, and fresh pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty flavor and rich protein, plus it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): Lend crispness, vibrant color, and load up each bite with nutrition.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onion and creates a lovely base for browning the beef.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth as it sautés.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Delivers aromatic warmth and infuses everything it touches with bold flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Forms the backbone of the sauce, providing a salty and umami-rich kick.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and a glossy finish—don’t skip it if you want that classic takeout taste!
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to balance the salt and bring out the beef’s natural sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): For a hint of toasty, nutty aroma right at the end.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and layers of complexity to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a subtle spicy edge.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): The perfect base—soaks up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just softened and fragrant. This layer of sweet, aromatic flavor sets the stage for the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned all over. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it—it keeps the finished dish lighter and lets the sauce shine.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
With the beef browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells incredible. Garlic and beef are truly a match made in heaven!
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this beautiful sauce mixture over the beef and give it all a good stir, making sure every morsel is coated with flavor.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in a separate pot for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they turn bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well—this step helps the broccoli keep its bite and vivid color.
Step 6: Combine and Thicken
Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir together the cornstarch and water, and pour it into the pan. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens up and softly coats all those delicious ingredients.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Spoon your Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe over steamy white rice, and get ready to dig in! Every bite is saucy, savory, and loaded with nutrients.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a scatter of thinly sliced green onions for pop, freshness, and visual flair. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a twist of freshly ground black pepper also makes the Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with classic white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa taste wonderful, too. For a crunchy contrast, a simple cucumber salad or quick-pickled carrots will cool off your palate in the best way.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe into rice bowls for easy meal prep, or serve it lettuce-wrap style for a lighter twist. Want to wow your crowd? Spoon the mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until everything’s hot and bubbly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—a total lifesaver when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Freezing
The cooked beef and broccoli freeze well in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze the rice separately or prepare fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwaving works, too, just stir halfway through for even reheating. The flavors somehow get even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a time-saving swap. Just steam or microwave until heated through, then drain any excess liquid before adding it to the skillet, so the sauce stays nice and thick.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce or an extra splash of soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar. While it won’t taste exactly the same, it will still be delicious in your Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Swap in tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free. You’ll still get all the salty-sweet umami magic that makes this dish irresistible.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely. The Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe scales up perfectly. Just use a larger skillet or wok, and you’ll have healthy, homemade lunches or dinners ready for the week!
What other veggies can I add?
This recipe is a fantastic canvas! Try sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or thinly sliced mushrooms for extra color, crunch, and nutrition. Mix and match your favorites for new flavor combos.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for your next dinner—it’s wholesome, quick, and seriously delicious. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how satisfying homemade can be. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful ground beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe that is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. This Asian-inspired dish is savory and satisfying, combining tender broccoli florets with seasoned ground beef in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and mix.
- Steam Broccoli: In a separate pot, steam or blanch broccoli until tender-crisp. Add to skillet with beef.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir cornstarch slurry into the skillet, cook until sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check oyster sauce for gluten content.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, and add bell peppers or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
