Name: Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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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Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful, hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef with the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli. Each bite bursts with umami, thanks to the rich blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce, while the hint of ginger adds a subtle warmth. This recipe isn’t just quick to make; it’s also cozy and filling, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

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
Recipe FAQs
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

I remember the first time I stumbled upon a similar dish at a local takeout spot. The deep, rich flavors hooked me immediately, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over the years, I’ve simplified it into this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, which delivers that same satisfying taste without the takeout price tag. It’s budget-friendly, comes together in about 35 minutes, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sauces along with earthy ginger and garlic creates a deliciously compelling taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of broccoli contrasts beautifully with the browned ground beef, making it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch or dinner, and goes great with steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh broccoli adds a crunchy texture and is packed with nutrients. Feel free to substitute with asparagus or green beans if preferred.
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This gives depth of flavor while keeping the dish less salty. You can use low-sodium alternatives if needed.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and rich umami. A vegetarian alternative would be mushroom soy sauce.
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. If you don’t have mirin, a teaspoon of sugar with rice vinegar can work as a substitute.
1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness helps to round out the dish’s flavors. Maple syrup can be a nice alternative.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic lends a robust flavor that enhances the entire dish.
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh minced ginger): Ginger adds a characteristic warmth and zest. Freshly grated ginger is preferred but paste is convenient.
4 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce. If corn isn’t available, arrowroot starch can serve as a substitute.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and finish. Supports the overall flavor profile beautifully.
1 pound 93% lean ground beef: Ground beef provides protein and heartiness. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: The sweetness of yellow onions enhances the flavors as they soften during cooking.
Kosher salt: To taste, enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust based on the saltiness from sauces.
Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, adds a little heat and depth.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, these add a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Also for garnish, providing fresh flavor and a pop of color.
Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): Serves as a base for the dish, making it a complete meal.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Blanch Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes, just until the broccoli is barely fork-tender. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This step helps keep the broccoli vibrant green and crunchy.

Prepare Stir-Fry Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together 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, and 4 teaspoons cornstarch until everything is well combined. Set this aside as it will be your flavorful sauce in the next steps.

Cook Beef and Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 pound of 93% lean ground beef along with 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook while breaking up the beef into chunks, letting some pieces stay slightly chunky for texture. Continue until the meat is fully cooked and the onion begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, return the skillet to heat, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients: Add the partially cooked broccoli along with the prepared stir-fry sauce to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated. The fragrance in your kitchen will be amazing, signaling that the dish is almost ready!

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the dish topped with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions. For a heartier meal, pair with freshly cooked white or brown rice.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Expect a slight change in texture and keep some extra soy sauce handy to refresh flavors if necessary.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be mindful not to overcook the broccoli during the blanching step; it should retain some crispness for textural contrast in the final dish.
If your ground beef is lean, consider a splash of water when cooking to help avoid drying out.
Timing is crucial; have all your ingredients prepped beforehand to create a seamless cooking experience.
To enhance flavors, consider adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice during serving for a bright finish.
You can make the stir-fry sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, making weeknight cooking even faster.

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious family-style dinner that brings comfort and flavor without fuss. Its simplicity allows for creativity—feel free to toss in other vegetables you love or adjust the sauce to your taste. Cooking should be about enjoying yourself, so you have the freedom to experiment! Invite your loved ones to gather for a delightful meal, and savor every bite of this easy and satisfying recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it out and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir-fry.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish is fantastic served over white or brown rice. Alternatively, you could serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even noodles for a heartier meal experience.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not spicy due to the lack of chili peppers. However, if you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha over the top when serving for an extra kick!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture and the sauce ahead of time. Just store each component separately in the refrigerator and cook the broccoli fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.