Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful twist on traditional stir-fries, bringing together the savory richness of ground beef with the vibrant crunch of broccoli. You’ll find this dish not only satisfies hungry bellies but also tantalizes the taste buds with its flavor-packed sauce. It’s that perfect balance of crispy and tender, with a rich glaze that clings to every morsel, making each bite a joy to savor.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

My love for this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli began during a busy week when takeout felt like the only option. With a few staple ingredients at home, I decided to whip something up, and wow, I was amazed. The sauce was savory yet sweet, and it came together so effortlessly. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe promises to be a budget-friendly, crowd-pleaser that takes no time at all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking — dinner is on the table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates a mouth-watering glaze.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green broccoli against the rich browned beef looks and tastes amazing.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for lunches throughout the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust to suit gluten-free or low-carb diets with smart substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and nutrition, and it’s best to cut it into small florets for even cooking.
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This brings a salty umami flavor to the dish while keeping it lighter on sodium.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness—a true flavor booster!
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Its sweetness balances the savory notes and is commonly found in Asian cooking.
1 tablespoon honey: For a touch of natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic punch that brightens up the dish.
1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger: Offers a spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
4 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickening agent is crucial for creating a luscious sauce.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor.
1 pound 93% lean ground beef: The lean beef keeps it hearty without too much fat, making it healthier.
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: Using a sweet onion brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes wonderfully and contrasts nicely with the beef.
Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors; adjust based on your preference.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: A dash adds warmth and a hint of spice.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, these add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Green onions offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and colorful presentation.
Cooked white or brown rice: Optional, but highly recommended for soaking up the savory sauce.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Prepare the Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the skillet (not covering the broccoli). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is barely fork-tender. It’s crucial not to overcook. Immediately drain in a colander, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside and wipe the skillet dry for later use.

Make the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, and 4 teaspoons cornstarch until thoroughly combined. Setting aside the sauce allows the flavors to meld.

Cook the Beef and Onion: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook while stirring occasionally, breaking up the beef to keep some chunks intact. This adds texture. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease, then return the skillet to heat and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine and Thicken: Add the partially cooked broccoli to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Stir constantly, ensuring the sauce evenly covers the meat and veggies. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes. Removing it from heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 green onions sliced on the bias. Serve alongside cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal that wraps up this comforting dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Just a quick splash of water can help refresh the dish, as the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the beef; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
If you prefer extra crispiness in the broccoli, briefly sauté it after boiling to enhance its texture.
Adjust the soy sauce based on your salt tolerance; opt for low sodium if you’re watching your intake.
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.

This dish combines hearty ingredients with complex flavors, ensuring that each bite leaves you satisfied and wanting more. Don’t hesitate to play with additional spicy garlic sauce or crushed red pepper for added heat!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli works just fine. Simply thaw it before adding it to the dish to ensure even cooking.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Besides the classic white or brown rice, you can serve this delicious dish over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Even noodles make a great alternative!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and broccoli ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos will make this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free while still delivering that marvelous umami flavor!

This easy yet flavorful recipe for Ground Beef and Broccoli is perfect for any night of the week. Its wholesome ingredients and delightful taste make it a fantastic choice for dinner. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli offers a delicious blend of flavors with tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and healthy option for busy nights, delivering comfort with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound, cut into small florets
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 pound 93% lean ground beef
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion, not diced
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced on the bias
cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving

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Instructions

In a 12-inch skillet, boil enough water to come halfway up the sides of the broccoli. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch whisking until smooth and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat sesame oil on medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is fully cooked with some chunkiness remaining. Drain excess grease, season with salt and pepper, and return to heat.
Add in the broccoli and the stir fry sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it rest before serving.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the stir fry sauce.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
Feel free to customize the vegetables—bell peppers and snap peas work well in this dish.