Irresistible Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Mastering a delicious ground beef and broccoli dish can elevate your weeknight cooking game.

Savory flavors blend seamlessly in this quick and nutritious meal.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in perfect seasoning and timing.

Tender beef pairs wonderfully with crisp broccoli florets, creating a balanced plate.

Fresh herbs and smart techniques make this recipe shine.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing classic that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Why Ground Beef And Broccoli Is Always A Win

• Speed Up Dinner: Prepare a delicious, nutritious meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like protein or vegetables to match your dietary preferences or pantry supplies.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a restaurant-quality dish using affordable, common ingredients that won't break the bank.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet, saving time and reducing dish washing hassle.

What’s Inside Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed foundation that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the meal.
• Rice: A classic base that perfectly absorbs the delicious sauce and completes the meal.

• Beef Broth, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Honey: A complex blend of savory and sweet elements that create a deep, balanced flavor profile.
• Garlic, Ground Ginger: Aromatic spices that infuse the sauce with warm and zesty undertones.
• Sesame Oil: A distinctive oil that adds a nutty and rich dimension to the sauce.

• Cornstarch, Cold Water: A smooth mixture that helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, appealing texture.
• Salt, White Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.
• Onions, Bell Peppers: Vegetable additions that provide extra depth and sweetness to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Chopped Peanuts: Toppings that add extra texture, color, and flavor to the final presentation.
• Cooking Oil: A medium used to sauté and cook the ingredients in the skillet.

Easy Steps For Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Cornstarch Slurry

Create a smooth cornstarch mixture by combining cornstarch with cold water in a small container. Mix thoroughly until fully blended and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Sesame oil

Stir well and set aside to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare Broccoli

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté until slightly softened and vibrant green. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Season ground beef with salt and white pepper. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef with diced onions. Break up the meat while cooking until it’s evenly browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 5: Add Colorful Peppers

Toss sliced bell peppers into the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for approximately 1 minute to slightly soften and blend flavors.

Step 6: Create Saucy Goodness

Pour prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Shake the cornstarch mixture one more time, then slowly stir into the simmering sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble gently until it reaches desired thickness and consistency.

Step 8: Combine and Finish

Reduce heat to low. Return cooked broccoli to the skillet and gently stir to coat with the sauce and blend all ingredients.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate the stir-fry over steamed rice. Optionally top with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Helpful Hints For Ground Beef And Broccoli Success

• Boost Flavor Depth: Marinate ground beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Perfect Veggie Crunch: Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water before stir-frying to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry amount gradually to achieve desired sauce thickness without making it too gloopy or thin.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that keeps the dish's essential flavors.
• Quick Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating quickly for fast weeknight dinners.

Different Takes On Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option with similar cooking techniques.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, maintaining the same sauce and vegetable components.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the existing recipe for those who enjoy extra heat and bold flavors.

What Tastes Good With Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity that perfectly balances the savory ground beef and complements the soy sauce's umami flavors.
• Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice acts as an ideal base, soaking up the rich sauce and providing a neutral canvas that enhances the dish's robust flavors.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish on the side to introduce a tangy, refreshing element that cuts through the meat's richness and provides textural contrast.
• Top with Crunchy Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the dish to create a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the overall eating experience and adds extra protein.

How To Store Ground Beef And Broccoli The Right Way

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package the ground beef and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Top Questions On Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Can I use different protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will slightly change the flavor profile.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to increase the spice level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free. Also, double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance. Cook the dish just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and broccoli delivers a quick weeknight dinner packed with protein and green goodness. Savory meat mingles with tender broccoli florets, creating a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper
• 3 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Whisk cornstarch with cold water in a small container until smooth, creating a thickening slurry for the sauce.
2. Craft the flavor foundation by blending beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a separate bowl.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat, adding cooking oil to prepare for vegetable preparation.
4. Sauté broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until they become vibrant and slightly tender, then transfer to a side plate.
5. Season ground beef with salt and white pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
6. Increase skillet temperature to medium-high and brown the beef with diced onions, breaking meat into small crumbles and eliminating excess fat.
7. Incorporate sliced bell peppers, cooking briefly to maintain their crisp texture.
8. Stream prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to reach a rolling boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop deep flavors.
9. Reincorporate cornstarch mixture into the sauce, stirring continuously until the consistency transforms into a glossy, thick coating.
10. Reduce heat, reunite broccoli with the beef mixture, gently folding to ensure complete integration.
11. Plate over steamed rice and optionally garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Adjust honey sweetness to balance the savory sauce, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Drain excess beef grease completely to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a clean, appetizing appearance.
• For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking and achieve consistent, crisp-tender broccoli and bell peppers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg