Ground beef and broccoli is one of those comforting dishes that warms you up from the inside out. Crunchy, vibrant florets of broccoli combined with the rich flavor of 93% lean ground beef create an irresistible stir-fry that marries healthy elements with fantastic taste. The savory sauce—a delightful mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of honey—coats every bite, making it not just a meal but a culinary experience.

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 first made this dish on a whim, rummaging through my pantry for something quick yet satisfying. It swiftly became one of my go-to recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Easy ground beef and broccoli is truly a meal that delivers stellar flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, and trust me, it’s a great economical choice for families too. If you’re looking for an effortless yet delicious addition to your menu, this dish is calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Made in just about 35 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for your busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of savory, sweet, and umami creates a taste explosion that everyone will love.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant green broccoli mixed with tender beef looks beautiful on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect served over rice for a filling dinner or as a standalone dish for a lighter option.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is easily adaptable—make it gluten-free with tamari or try using ground turkey as a lean alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh broccoli gives the dish color and crunch. If you can’t find fresh, frozen florets work too!
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This soy sauce adds depth without too much sodium—you’ll appreciate the flavor balance!
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This sauce provides a unique umami flavor, enhancing the beef beautifully. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, mushrooms can be substituted for a similar taste.
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness; you can replace it with rice vinegar if needed, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
1 tablespoon honey: The sweet note from honey rounds out the savory elements perfectly.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses a wonderful aroma—feel free to adjust for your garlic love!
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh minced ginger): Ginger adds warmth and a refreshing zing, crucial for that authentic taste.
4 teaspoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, giving it a wonderful glaze to cling to your ingredients.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: The nutty flavor elevates the dish; don’t skip it!
1 pound 93% lean ground beef: This leaner choice offers flavor with less grease and added health benefits.
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: Chopped but not diced for texture, they add sweetness as they cook.
Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances flavors without being overly salty.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: A sprinkle adds a touch of heat.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnishing, they introduce a nutty crunch.
2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Bright color and fresh flavor, these are essential for topping your dish.
Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): A fantastic base to soak up all that yummy sauce!

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Blanch the Broccoli: Place the broccoli in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil over HIGH heat, then reduce to LOW, cover and simmer for 2 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside. This quick blanching keeps the broccoli vibrant and crunchy!

Prepare the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, 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 combined. This flavorful sauce is the heart of your dish!

Brown the Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the 12-inch skillet over MEDIUM heat. Add the 1 pound ground beef and 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the beef while keeping some texture, until completely cooked and onion starts to soften. Drain any excess grease, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is where flavor starts to build—let it sizzle!

Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched broccoli along with the prepared sauce to the skillet. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Let it rest for several minutes off the heat before serving—this helps the flavors marry beautifully.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions. This dish is delightful on a bed of cooked white or brown rice, soaking up the flavorful sauce. Serve piping hot and watch your guests devour it!

Storing & Reheating

Storing your easy ground beef and broccoli is simple! Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Note that freezing may soften the broccoli slightly, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the broccoli during the blanching process; you want it to be bright and slightly crisp!
When cooking the beef, keep it in bigger chunks for better texture—don’t over-sauté to a fine ground.
For a saucier dish, feel free to double the sauce proportions for that extra delicious flavor!
Make it ahead by prepping the sauce and chopping the vegetables in advance—just combine them at meal time.
If you want to spice it up, throw in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

When you gather all these simple ingredients and follow the straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that not only feeds your family but impresses them too. Whether you’re in need of a weeknight dinner solution or simply craving something savory, easy ground beef and broccoli ticks all the boxes. Try it out, and don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients—who knows what delicious variations you might discover!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can work well if you’re short on time. Just microwave it before adding it to the pan, or thaw it slightly before combining it with the beef and sauce to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutions for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist—just adjust the cooking times as needed!

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari. Just check the oyster sauce too, as some brands are gluten-free!

How do I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to sneak in more veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them when you introduce the broccoli to ensure they’re cooked just right!

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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

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Author: Anna
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 features tender beef and vibrant broccoli tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that’s healthy and satisfying, ideal for busy weeknights.

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

Place the broccoli in a large skillet and add enough water to reach halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes, until just fork tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and cornstarch. Set aside.
In the same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking and breaking up the beef until fully cooked and the onion starts to soften. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
Add the partially cooked broccoli and stir-fry sauce to the skillet, cooking until the sauce thickens and is well mixed. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with rice if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the stir-fry sauce.
Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a colorful variation.
Ensure to drain the beef well to prevent the dish from being greasy.