Simple Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe: A Savory Family Hit

Mastering a quick ground beef and broccoli recipe can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something spectacular.

Nutritious greens blend perfectly with savory protein for a balanced meal.

Families love how simple ingredients create such satisfying comfort food.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless when you know smart techniques for combining proteins and vegetables.

Rich flavors emerge from careful seasoning and smart cooking methods.

Minimal prep time means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under thirty minutes.

Hungry for a delectable dish that impresses without complicated steps?

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen.

Why Ground Beef and Broccoli Is a Great Combo

  • Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious, protein-packed meal in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Combine lean ground beef with nutrient-rich broccoli for a balanced dish that delivers both flavor and health benefits.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to create a complete, satisfying meal that goes from stovetop to table quickly.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor: Craft a kid-approved dinner that offers a tasty twist on traditional stir-fry, with savory Asian-inspired seasonings everyone will love.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and zesty flavor to the ground beef.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the recipe.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that brings umami and saltiness to the dish.
  • Oyster Sauce: A rich, sweet-salty sauce that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy and smooth sauce texture.
  • Water: Used to dilute and blend the sauce ingredients.
Cooking Oils and Seasonings:
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for browning the ground beef.
  • Sesame Oil: A flavorful oil that adds a nutty and aromatic finish to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Broccoli

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance, about 30-45 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

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

Blend until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet with the beef.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes tender-crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli.

Stir continuously until the sauce coats everything evenly and thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give a final gentle stir and transfer to serving plates.

Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, quick meal that combines savory beef with crunchy broccoli.

Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier meal.
  • Chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better texture.
  • Marinate ground beef with a splash of soy sauce before cooking to enhance flavor depth.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for more vibrant and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
  • Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free dietary needs and similar thickening results.

Variations for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless option.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the cornstarch and use a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce, serving over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the existing recipe for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Family Dinner Hero: Serve this hearty ground beef and broccoli over steamed white rice for a complete meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers with quinoa or brown rice for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious and fresh throughout the workday.
  • Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Transform the beef and broccoli into a low-carb option by serving inside crisp lettuce leaves, creating a fun and light eating experience that's perfect for summer gatherings.
  • Noodle Bowl Remix: Toss the beef and broccoli mixture over hot egg noodles or rice noodles, adding an extra layer of texture and comfort to this already satisfying dish.

How to Store 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.
  • Place the container in the coolest part of the fridge, away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
  • Label the container with the date of preparation to track storage time.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef and broccoli a healthy dish?

This recipe provides a balanced meal with lean protein from ground beef and nutrient-rich broccoli. It’s lower in calories compared to traditional stir-fry dishes and offers good protein and fiber content.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different protein option while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

  • What makes this stir-fry sauce unique?

The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style coating that clings perfectly to the meat and vegetables.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Simple Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Simple Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory ground beef and broccoli stir-fry brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinners. Hearty protein and crisp vegetables combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 cups broccoli florets

Aromatics:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling vegetable oil to coat the surface.
  2. Crumble ground beef into the hot skillet, searing until rich brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Mince aromatic garlic and ginger, tossing into the browned meat and sautéing until their fragrance releases, about 30-45 seconds.
  4. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth, glossy sauce mixture.
  5. Introduce broccoli florets into the skillet, stirring and tossing with meat to ensure even cooking, allowing vegetables to reach a vibrant green and tender-crisp texture, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stream the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, gently folding to ensure complete coating and allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to each ingredient.
  7. Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, then season with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, ensuring the dish remains hot and appetizing.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the same savory flavor profile and texture.
  • Reduce cooking time for broccoli by cutting florets into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even and quick cooking without losing crispness.
  • Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of rice wine or mirin for subtle sweetness and complexity that complements the umami-rich soy sauce.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt to personal taste, making the dish more heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 366 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star