Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Try This Speedy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tonight

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this ground beef and broccoli stir-fry that packs serious flavor.

Crisp green florets mingle with savory meat in a quick, satisfying meal.

Quick cooking makes this dish perfect for busy households needing nutrition and taste.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a balanced combination that feels both comforting and light.

Pantry staples transform into something special with just a few strategic ingredients.

Sauces and seasonings create magic, turning simple components into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Overview

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Tackle dinner stress with this speedy ground beef and broccoli recipe that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families needing a nutritious meal.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from ground beef and vitamin-rich broccoli, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe proves you can create restaurant-quality meals with simple, accessible ingredients that won't break the bank.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Streamline your cooking process with a single skillet meal that minimizes dirty dishes and reduces cleanup time, making mealtime more enjoyable and less stressful.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the recipe.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and pungent flavor base for the ground beef and broccoli.
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Delivers a deep umami and savory taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Water: Helps to create the right sauce consistency and blend the ingredients.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth and glossy sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in sesame oil, allowing it to spread evenly across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Once the meat is completely browned, carefully drain away any excess fat.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and stir continuously until its aroma becomes rich and fragrant, which typically takes about one minute.

Step 4: Introduce the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, gently stirring to ensure even cooking and allowing the florets to become slightly tender but still maintain a vibrant green color.

Step 5: Prepare the Flavor Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Water
  • Cornstarch

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Create the Sauce Coating

Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring carefully to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful liquid.

Step 7: Simmer and Thicken

Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The sauce will gradually thicken and the broccoli will become perfectly tender.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste the dish and sprinkle salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stir-fry.

Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish with less grease.
  • Chop broccoli into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
  • Substitute tamari sauce for gluten-free option if needed.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Lean Protein Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat option.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Swap ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, maintaining the same cooking technique.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the cornstarch and use cauliflower instead of traditional broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Asian Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to create a hot and zesty flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Family Dinner Delight: Serve over steamed white rice for a classic, comforting meal that fills everyone's plate with deliciousness.
  • Quick Lunch Bowl: Pack in a meal prep container with quinoa or brown rice for a protein-packed midday energy boost that's easy to transport.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Wrap: Wrap the beef and broccoli mixture in large lettuce leaves for a fresh, light alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while keeping the meal exciting.
  • Asian-Inspired Noodle Dish: Toss with hot soba or rice noodles to transform the recipe into a more substantial and varied dinner option that adds texture and flavor complexity.

Storage Advice for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store ground beef and broccoli in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled leftovers to a shallow container to help them cool quickly and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Label the container with the date to track storage time and ensure food safety.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef and broccoli a healthy dish?

Yes, it provides lean protein from beef and nutrients from broccoli, making it a balanced meal with essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

  • What if I don't have oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce as a replacement, which will still provide a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chili oil during cooking to increase the heat level according to your preference.

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Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ground beef and broccoli stir-fry brings together classic Asian flavors in a quick weeknight meal. Home cooks can enjoy this protein-packed dish that balances lean meat with nutritious green vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a large skillet with sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  3. Eliminate excess fat from the pan, then add minced garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Incorporate broccoli florets into the skillet, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and slight tenderization.
  5. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and cornstarch in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Cascade the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
  7. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, occasionally stirring, until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency and broccoli reaches desired tenderness.
  8. Calibrate flavors with a subtle sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  9. Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot, allowing the rich, savory sauce to complement the robust beef and crisp broccoli.

Notes

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy texture and ensure a clean, appetizing dish.
  • Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version with less fat content.
  • Slice broccoli florets uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or adding sriracha sauce for those who enjoy spicier meals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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