Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s both delicious and healthy? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe has everything you need for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal in under 30 minutes! Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone. Loaded with protein and fiber-rich broccoli, it’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even a low-carb option for those watching their diet. Keep reading for the full recipe, ingredient substitutions, variations, and expert tips to make your Ground Beef and Broccoli dish shine!
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simple stir-fry dish that brings together savory, seasoned ground beef and crisp, tender broccoli florets in a flavorful sauce. It’s typically cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is inspired by Asian stir-fry techniques but can be tailored to suit any palate by varying the seasonings and sauces. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the balance between the richness of ground beef and the freshness of broccoli.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli
To make this delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean ground beef (85% lean) for the best flavor and texture. You can also opt for extra-lean beef if you prefer to cut down on fat.
- 4 cups broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen broccoli can also work in a pinch. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works well, depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin or skip it altogether.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic richness.
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated – Fresh ginger adds warmth and a slightly spicy kick to the stir-fry.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, making it cling better to the beef and broccoli.
- ¼ cup beef broth or water – This adds moisture to the dish, helping create a sauce for the stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Used for browning the ground beef and sautéing the broccoli.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- Optional toppings – Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish add color and extra flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re missing a few ingredients or want to customize the dish to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are some substitutions and variations:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner alternative.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Different Vegetables: Broccoli is classic, but you can use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or cauliflower for variety.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of the dish.
- Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: Skip the cornstarch or use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps for a quick and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dinner:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Start by washing and cutting your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch with the beef broth or water. Whisk until smooth, then set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan, stirring to coat them in the oil and aromatics. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften but still retains some crunch.
- Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan with the broccoli. Stir to combine everything together.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add more soy sauce if needed or a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle with optional toppings like sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, making it perfect for beginner cooks. However, there are a few essential tips and techniques that will elevate the final dish:
- Use High Heat: Cooking at a high temperature helps sear the beef and ensures the broccoli stays crisp-tender.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure to cut the broccoli florets evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you crowd the pan, the ingredients will steam instead of sear, leading to soggy broccoli and unevenly cooked beef.
- Pre-Mix the Sauce: Having the sauce ready before you start cooking ensures that you can add it to the pan quickly without overcooking the beef or broccoli.
- Control the Moisture: If the dish gets too dry, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too watery, let it cook down a bit or add a touch more cornstarch to thicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Ground Beef and Broccoli is simple, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time!
- Under-seasoning the Beef: Ground beef benefits from bold seasoning. Make sure to season it properly while cooking.
- Sauce Not Thickening: Be sure to whisk the cornstarch well into the liquid to avoid lumps and ensure the sauce thickens properly.
- Using Too Much Oil: Too much oil can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While Ground Beef and Broccoli is delicious on its own, you can enhance the dining experience with thoughtful serving and presentation tips:
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb alternative, serve this dish over cauliflower rice or a simple bed of sautéed spinach.
- Bento-Box Style: If meal prepping, divide the dish into compartments with rice or noodles, and garnish each portion with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Color Contrast: Add a pop of color by including red bell peppers or a sprinkle of chili flakes for visual appeal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a one-pan wonder, but it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual weeknight meal, serve it directly from the pan over rice. If you're hosting, present the dish in a large serving bowl, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and let guests serve themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Want to impress your guests or family? Here are a few creative ideas:
- Garnish Plates: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions right before serving for a fresh and polished look.
- Serve in Bowls: Present the dish in colorful bowls for a cozy, family-style feel. Add a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great meal prep option.
- Freezing Tips: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge and warm in a skillet until heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Ground Beef and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Simply replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
A: Yes! Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms for more variety.
Q: What is a good side dish for Ground Beef and Broccoli?
A: Steamed rice, noodles, or even a light cucumber salad would pair nicely.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli is the perfect meal for busy nights or when you want something comforting and healthy without a lot of effort. Its balance of flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make it a go-to dish for many households. With the simple substitutions and variations we’ve provided, you can make this recipe fit your tastes and dietary needs. Try it out tonight, and you'll see why it's a staple in so many kitchens!
PrintGround Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a savory stir fry made with tender ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. This low-carb, high-protein dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger brings out the best in this healthy and delicious recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with water.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, and stir until coated and thickened.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Notes
- Add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply