Table of Contents: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli
A Flavor-Packed Dinner in Just 30 Minutes!
Craving a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s ready in a flash? This Easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero! Juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce come together in one pan for a meal that’s faster than takeout but way more satisfying.
Did you know that stir-frying was originally developed in China as a quick cooking method to conserve fuel? Today, it’s a lifesaver for busy home cooks! This dish is a budget-friendly twist on the classic beef and broccoli, using ground beef instead of steak for extra convenience.
If you loved my Drunk Chicken Breasts Recipe – The Juiciest Boozy Chicken Guide, you’ll adore this beefy version—it’s just as easy but with a rich, meaty flavor. Perfect for picky eaters, meal prep, or last-minute dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ever wondered why this dish sounds so simple yet tastes so incredible? Ground Beef and Broccoli is exactly what it sounds like—a quick stir-fry where tender beef and crisp broccoli get cozy in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
Some say the name is so straightforward because the dish speaks for itself—no fancy gimmicks needed! It’s like the culinary version of “what you see is what you get,” and trust me, what you get is pure deliciousness. As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this meal will win over everyone at the table.
Why complicate things when you can have a 30-minute, one-pan wonder? Skip the takeout menu and try this homemade version—you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli
1. Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner
No marinating, no fuss—just brown the beef, stir-fry the broccoli, and toss it all in a flavorful sauce. Dinner is ready before the kids start asking, “What’s to eat?”
2. Budget-Friendly & Healthier Than Takeout
Skip the expensive delivery fees! Ground beef is cheaper than steak, and homemade sauce means no hidden sugars or preservatives.
3. Bursting with Flavor
The sauce—a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar—clings to every bite, making this dish irresistible.
If you enjoy my Hibachi Chicken Recipe, you’ll love this simpler version. Ready to dig in? Let’s make it!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Quick Overview
This 30-minute stir-fry is all about simplicity: brown the beef, sauté the broccoli, and coat everything in a glossy, savory sauce. No fancy techniques—just big flavor with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
– 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– ½ cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics – Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Broccoli – Toss in broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green.
4. Make the Sauce – Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and simmer until thickened.
5. Finish & Serve – Drizzle with sesame oil, stir well, and serve hot over rice.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try:
– Steamed jasmine rice (absorbs the sauce perfectly)
– Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
– Quick pickled cucumbers (adds a refreshing crunch)
– Egg rolls or potstickers (for a full takeout-style feast)
Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish
– Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch (just thaw and pat dry).
– Don’t overcook the beef—brown it quickly to keep it tender.
– Double the sauce if you love extra flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
– Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
People Also Ask: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Is ground beef and broccoli healthy?
Yes! Lean ground beef provides protein and iron, while broccoli adds fiber and vitamins. Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps it balanced.
What kind of sauce goes with beef and broccoli?
A simple mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a savory-sweet glaze. For extra depth, add oyster sauce or hoisin.
How do you make beef and broccoli tender?
Avoid overcooking the beef—brown it quickly on high heat. For extra tenderness, use ground beef with a bit of fat (85% lean).
Can I use frozen broccoli for beef and broccoli?
Absolutely! Thaw and pat dry to prevent excess water. Fresh broccoli has better texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
Conclusion: Ground Beef and Broccoli
This Easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver—fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to takeout!
Got leftovers? Pack them for lunch or freeze for a future quick meal. Hungry for more? Check out my Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe next!
Now, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking—dinner’s ready in 30! ️
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Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy stir-fry made with ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring well to coat the beef and broccoli.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve over rice.
Notes
For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice. You can also swap broccoli with green beans or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, beef stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, Asian recipe