Description
Ground beef and broccoli holds a special place in my culinary journey as a recipe creator – it’s the dish that taught me how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors when prepared with care and technique. This ground beef and broccoli recipe bridges the gap between restaurant-quality taste and everyday home cooking accessibility.
What makes this easy ground beef and broccoli recipe so special? It’s the perfect marriage of tender, seasoned ground beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all brought together in a savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. This healthy ground beef and broccoli skillet takes just 30 minutes from start to finish while delivering the kind of satisfying, nutritious meal that both kids and adults will request again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
- 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white onion preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (essential for authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth and umami)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for authentic Asian flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances the saltiness)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for freshness and color)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for extra crunch)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, beef broth, and brown sugar. Set aside this flavorful sauce – it’s the secret to making the best ground beef and broccoli at home.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Cut fresh broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil if needed. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
Storage Tips: Store leftover ground beef and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.
Freezer Storage: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Methods: Microwave in 30-second intervals, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil.
Dietary Substitutions: For keto, omit brown sugar and serve without rice. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For lower sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce by half.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, easy ground beef recipe, healthy skillet dinner, 30-minute meal, Asian ground beef, weeknight dinner, meal prep recipe, ground beef stir fry, healthy family dinner, quick dinner recipe