Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor and ground beef and broccoli delivers exactly that.

This classic combination brings together hearty protein and vibrant green vegetables in one skillet.

Tender beef sizzles with crisp broccoli florets, creating a mouthwatering harmony of textures and tastes.

Simple ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together in under thirty minutes.

Each bite promises a delicious balance of savory meat and fresh vegetables that will leave you craving more.

Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone at the table will devour.

Simple, Fast, and Full of Flavor: Beef & Broccoli

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: This ground beef and broccoli recipe delivers a speedy, satisfying dinner that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this dish your own, catering to personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• Packed with Nutrition: Lean ground beef provides protein, while broccoli adds a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals, creating a balanced and wholesome meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation with family or friends.

What’s Needed for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this stir-fry dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds crunch and nutritional value to the recipe.
• Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the dish's flavor profile.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Classic Asian-inspired condiments that create a rich and savory sauce.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that helps create a smooth and flavorful sauce consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps create a glossy and clingy sauce.

• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Oils used for cooking and adding additional flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a hint of spicy heat to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar, Lime Juice: Optional acidic component to brighten the overall flavor.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Toppings that add visual appeal and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Quick Steps for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until completely browned, breaking it into small pieces while stirring.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Introduce Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes.

The broccoli should remain bright green and maintain a slight crunch.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Beef broth
• Cornstarch

Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to ensure every morsel gets coated.

Step 5: Simmer And Enhance

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Rice vinegar

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-quality finish.

Tips for Savory, Tender Beef and Broccoli

• Select 80/20 ground beef for richer taste and juicier texture during cooking.
• Cook broccoli briefly to maintain bright green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding overcooking.
• Mix cornstarch with cold broth to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
• Chop vegetables and prepare sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.
• Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free, and use cauliflower rice for lower-carb option.

Creative Ideas for Beef & Broccoli Dinners

• Lean Protein Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Friendly: Swap ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat crumbles for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the dish's core flavors intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, transforming the recipe into a more fiery stir-fry experience.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli for Meals

• Family Feast Night: Serve this ground beef and broccoli over fluffy white rice, creating a hearty meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers with rice on the bottom and stir-fry on top for a delicious lunch that stays fresh and tasty throughout the week.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added crunch and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Asian-Inspired Plating: Arrange the stir-fry in a shallow bowl with a small mound of rice on the side, garnished with sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra sauce for a restaurant-style presentation.

Keeping Beef and Broccoli Tasty for Days

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Place ground beef and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• Is ground beef healthy?

Ground beef provides protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Choose lean cuts for a healthier option with less saturated fat.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is best for crispness, but frozen broccoli works if thawed and drained thoroughly. Pat dry to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have oyster sauce?

Substitute with hoisin sauce or mix soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar for similar umami flavor. The dish will still taste delicious.

• How spicy is this recipe?

Adding red pepper flakes makes it slightly spicy. Adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit completely for a mild version.

Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling ground beef and broccoli melody brings comfort straight from home kitchens to dinner tables. Savory protein mingles with crisp green florets, creating a quick weeknight meal packed with flavor and nutrition that satisfies hunger effortlessly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
• Steamed rice or noodles
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add ground beef and rapidly break into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned.
2. Incorporate diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger into the meat, sautéing for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
3. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
4. Prepare sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
5. Pour sauce mixture over beef and broccoli, stirring constantly to ensure even coating and allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and glosses over the ingredients.
6. Enhance flavor profile by drizzling sesame oil and sprinkling red pepper flakes, then optionally add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness.
7. Transfer the stir-fry onto a bed of steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version.
• Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to enhance their nutty flavor and aromatic profile.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for vegetarian options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg