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, 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; 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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There’s nothing quite like a comforting, savory bowl of beef and broccoli to brighten up a weeknight dinner. This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe brings together juicy, tender beef with vibrant green broccoli and a rich, flavorful sauce that ties it all together. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll appreciate the balance of textures and the depth of flavor, making it hard to believe this delightful dish comes together in just about 35 minutes.

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 stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago when I was craving Asian-inspired dishes but didn’t want to order takeout. It was an instant hit with my family and quickly became a staple in our household. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything can be prepped and cooked in one skillet, resulting in minimal cleanup. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or enjoying it solo, this easy ground beef and broccoli will surely satisfy those cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of honey creates a sweet and savory taste that will make your taste buds dance.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green broccoli against the rich beef sauce is not only delicious but visually stunning too.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or part of a larger feast, this dish fits perfectly into any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Need a gluten-free option? Simply switch to tamari instead of soy sauce!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and essential nutrients. Feel free to use frozen broccoli if you’re in a pinch.
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This provides the salty umami flavor base for your sauce while keeping the dish a bit healthier.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that makes the dish shine.
1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon honey: Just a spoonful gives a lovely hint of sweetness that enhances the dish.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic contributes a fragrant aroma and robust flavor.
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh minced ginger): Ginger adds warmth and an energizing zest.
4 teaspoons cornstarch: This acts as a thickener for the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy finish.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a nutty richness, sesame oil is a must-have for that genuine Asian flair.
1 pound 93% lean ground beef: A lean option keeps the dish healthier while providing the protein you need.
1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: The sweetness of the onion complements the savory beef and sauce beautifully.
Kosher salt, to taste: Just what you need to enhance all those delightful flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: A dash of pepper provides that bit of warmth and spice.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnish and a delightful crunch.
2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Fresh green onions add brightness and subtle flavor.
Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): Serve over rice for a filling meal or enjoy it on its own.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Prep the Broccoli: Start by placing the broccoli in a large 12-inch skillet. Fill the skillet with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the broccoli (but don’t fully cover it). Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 minutes or until the broccoli is barely fork-tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander, and immediately rinse it with cold water until it’s cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and keeps your broccoli bright green! Set it aside, and don’t forget to wipe out the skillet for later use.

Whisk Together the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the 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. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, setting it aside for later when you’ll bring everything together.

Cook the Beef and Onion: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the now-dry 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of 93% lean ground beef along with the 1 cup of coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Use a spatula to break up the beef, keeping some texture rather than making it finely ground. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the onion starts to soften. If there’s excess grease, drain it off, and return the skillet to heat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine and Thicken the Sauce: Once the beef mixture is well-seasoned, carefully add the partially cooked broccoli along with the stir fry sauce you prepared earlier. Cook while stirring constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli beautifully. This is the moment when all those flavors meld, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let it rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving.

Garnish and Serve: Finally, serve your flavorful creation garnished with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions for that final touch. Enjoy this warm, delicious dish over your choice of cooked white or brown rice if you’d like.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months—just be sure to use a freezer-friendly container. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. You may notice a slight change in texture after freezing, but adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can revive that lovely sauce.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure not to overcrowd the meat in the skillet to ensure it browns nicely.
If you’re short on time, pre-chopped veggies or frozen broccoli can save you a few minutes.
Adjust the level of ginger and garlic to your taste—these two ingredients are highly versatile!
For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or sautéing sliced bell peppers with the onion.
If you prefer beef with a little more char, increase the heat slightly toward the end while stirring.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quick, wholesome meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether it’s an ordinary dinner or a special occasion, serving up this easy ground beef and broccoli is sure to impress. Moreover, it invites flexibility! Don’t hesitate to fuss with the sauce or throw in different veggies, and make this dish your own. Enjoy making it again and again, and watch it become a fast favorite in your home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking times slightly as white meat may cook a tad faster than beef.

What can I serve with ground beef and broccoli?

This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it on a bed of greens or on its own as a satisfying protein-packed meal.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version. Be sure to substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative or soy sauce to maintain the flavor profile.

How do I know when my broccoli is cooked but not mushy?

To achieve the ideal broccoli texture, keep a close eye while boiling. It should be bright green and tender enough to pierce with a fork but still provide a bit of bite. Using the cold water rinse immediately stops the cooking and preserves that appealing crunch.