Quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, Ground Beef and Broccoli is the go-to dinner when you’re craving something savory with minimal fuss. It’s a weeknight hero dish: juicy ground beef browned to perfection and stir-fried with fresh, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a garlicky soy glaze that soaks into every bite. This comforting dish brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your plate with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
What makes this recipe shine is how incredibly adaptable it is. Want to spice it up? Add chili flakes. Going low-carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice. Looking for a full meal? Toss in some noodles or jasmine rice and you’re golden. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or need a last-minute dinner solution, Ground Beef and Broccoli is always a reliable winner.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This dish is lightning-fast, ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple, affordable ingredients that still deliver that satisfying umami kick. The flavor-packed sauce ties everything together, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s all cooked in one pan. If you’re meal prepping or just trying to avoid takeout, this recipe is a dream.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely, frozen broccoli works just fine. If you’re using frozen, try steaming it lightly first or add it directly to the skillet but allow extra time for it to heat through. Fresh broccoli gives a better texture and slight crunch, but frozen saves on prep time and still delivers great taste. Just be sure not to overcook it—we’re going for tender-crisp, not mushy.
Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Broccoli
This dish doesn’t need a long list of complicated items. Just a few bold ingredients turn simple beef and broccoli into a crave-worthy meal.
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef for less grease, but still plenty of flavor.
Broccoli Florets: Whether fresh or frozen, they add color, crunch, and nutrients to the skillet.
Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and that signature umami depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the whole dish with aromatic sharpness.
Brown Sugar: Balances the salt and adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way. This oil gives the dish its unmistakable nutty aroma.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and cling to the meat and veggies.
Ginger: Optional but highly recommended for a zingy punch.
Green Onions: For garnish and a light oniony finish.
How To Make the Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Toss in the broccoli florets directly into the pan with the beef. Stir-fry together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften. If using fresh broccoli, consider adding a splash of water and covering the skillet for a couple of minutes to steam it.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the beef and broccoli cook, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch with a bit of water in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat all the beef and broccoli. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy and well-mixed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately. This dish is excellent over rice, noodles, or on its own.
How to Serve and Store Ground Beef and Broccoli
This recipe makes enough to feed four people generously. It’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days and reheats well in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze it for up to two months, though the texture of the broccoli may soften a bit. For best results, reheat straight from frozen in a covered skillet over low heat.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Jasmine Rice
The soft, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice makes it the perfect base to soak up all that savory sauce.
Garlic Noodles
Buttery, garlicky noodles bring an extra comfort element and pair beautifully with the beef.
Cauliflower Rice
For a lighter option, cauliflower rice keeps it low-carb and still filling.
Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls make an irresistible appetizer or side, adding crunch to your meal.
Stir-Fried Bell Peppers
Add some colorful peppers on the side or toss them in with the broccoli for more variety.
Miso Soup
A light and warming starter that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes.
Cucumber Salad
Cool and refreshing, cucumber salad helps balance the savory flavors of the main dish.
Kimchi
If you like spice and tang, kimchi adds a fermented kick that’s unbeatable with beef.
Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?
If Ground Beef and Broccoli has become a staple in your kitchen, try out these other savory favorites from Mia Plates:
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy, pasta-forward dinner.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re craving something extra creamy and quick.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for an indulgent spin on a classic.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a weeknight pasta comfort bowl.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you want smoky, savory, and simple in one dish.
Save This Recipe For Later
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Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went! Did you go spicy or sweet? Add extra veggies? Let me know in the comments so we can keep sharing ideas.
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Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick weeknight dinner made in one skillet with tender broccoli, juicy ground beef, and a savory garlic soy sauce. Perfect for meal prep or low-carb dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 cups broccoli florets
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1/4 cup water
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until slightly tender. For fresh broccoli, add a splash of water and cover to steam lightly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
5. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead for meal prep and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli—just don’t overcook for best texture.
To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
