Quick & Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Nights

Ground beef and broccoli represent a culinary symphony that refines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Nutritious green florets dance alongside rich, savory meat in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Home cooks appreciate this versatile combination for its simplicity and quick preparation time.

Weeknight meals gain instant excitement with this protein-packed dish that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Families crave the comforting warmth and substantial nutrition packed into each delectable bite.

Surprisingly elegant yet wonderfully unpretentious, this recipe bridges the gap between casual comfort and gourmet potential.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a meal that promises both flavor and nourishment.

Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Simple and Savory Meal

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this ground beef and broccoli dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick, satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Balanced Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the savory combination of tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and umami notes with minimal ingredients.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with lean protein from ground beef and essential vitamins from broccoli, creating a well-rounded meal that delivers both taste and health benefits in one delicious skillet.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Use just one skillet to create this complete meal, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dish washing after a long day.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Ground Beef: Lean meat with rich flavor, perfect for hearty meals and quick cooking.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable packed with nutrients, adds color and crunch to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides deep meaty flavor and liquid base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, classic Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Brown Sugar: Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness, creates glossy sauce texture.
• Sesame Oil: Offers nutty aroma and authentic Asian cooking essence.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertone and complements Asian-style cooking.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates smooth, glossy coating for beef and broccoli.

• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to ground beef base.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor, provides beautiful color contrast.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Maximize Meat Browning: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and deeper flavor.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to beef and broccoli.
• Control Broccoli Texture: Watch steaming time carefully to keep broccoli vibrant green and crisp-tender, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Layer Aromatics Strategically: Sauté garlic briefly to release its flavor without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
• Enhance Umami Depth: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while maintaining rich, savory notes in the dish.

Storing and Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ground beef and broccoli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the dish refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place the cold leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or extra beef broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, then heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Skillet Reheating: Revive the flavor and texture by gently reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until the beef and broccoli are heated thoroughly, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

Pairing Ground Beef and Broccoli with Rice or Noodles

• Pair with Zesty Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling to balance the savory beef and complement the broccoli's earthiness, cutting through the rich sauce with its crisp acidity.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread to add a crispy texture that contrasts the tender beef and provides an extra flavor dimension to the meal.
• Boost with Asian-Inspired Slaw: Create a light, tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to refresh the palate and add a crunchy side that echoes the dish's Asian-inspired flavors.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, light counterpoint to the warm, hearty beef and broccoli.

Fun Variations of Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Spicy Asian Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the beef while cooking for a fiery flavor profile. Adjust heat levels to personal preference.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add diced tomatoes and oregano. Swap sesame oil for olive oil to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Veggie Bowl: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Include extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Brown the beef first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all sauce ingredients and broccoli, cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off meal preparation.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes until tender yet crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onions, cooking until beef is completely browned. Mix in garlic and sauté briefly, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Cornstarch

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour sauce mixture over beef in skillet. Add steamed broccoli and stir thoroughly. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and completely coats beef and broccoli.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer beef and broccoli to serving plates. Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot over fluffy white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli delivers a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired dinner that balances lean protein with crisp green vegetables. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce create a rich umami sauce that elevates this simple skillet meal, ensuring you’ll want seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 ground beef

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ½ cup beef broth
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sweeteners and Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Rice for serving
• Sliced green onions for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare broccoli by carefully steaming florets for 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant green, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and introduce ground beef along with diced onions, cooking thoroughly until meat browns and releases its rich flavors.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and quickly incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the beef mixture.
4. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together beef broth (236 milliliters/8 fluid ounces), soy sauce (30 milliliters/), brown sugar (15 grams/), sesame oil (5 milliliters/), freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
5. Gently fold steamed broccoli into the beef mixture, then cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients, stirring consistently until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating that embraces both beef and broccoli.
6. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, positioning atop warm rice and garnishing with finely chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

• Take advantage of seasonal broccoli when it’s at peak freshness for the most vibrant flavor and crisp texture.
• Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha directly into the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Always drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner taste profile.
• Leftover ground beef and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making excellent meal prep option.
• For a low-carb alternative, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white rice.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg