Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together tender-crisp broccoli and savory ground beef in a delicious stir-fry sauce. It’s a budget-friendly, weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefbroccoligarlicsoy saucesesame oilbrown sugarsriracha cornstarchwatergreen onions (optional, for garnish)cooking oil
directions
In a large skillet or wok, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, sriracha, and cornstarch with water until smooth.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the beef and broccoli.
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra veggies.
Use hoisin sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
Top with sesame seeds for added texture.
Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from sriracha, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep and reheats well throughout the week.
What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
It’s best with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until desired thickness is reached.
Can I skip the sugar?
You can reduce or omit the brown sugar, but it helps balance the savory flavors.
Is it gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I add ginger?
Yes, fresh grated ginger adds a lovely zing to the sauce.
What type of ground beef is best?
Lean ground beef (85%-90%) works best for flavor without too much grease.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a large enough pan to accommodate all the ingredients.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a fast dinner or a reliable meal prep option, this stir-fry offers comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining ground beef and fresh broccoli in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula; drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and remaining 1 tbsp oil; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat beef and broccoli evenly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or optional red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly version, use low-sodium soy sauce and skip hoisin sauce.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Prep vegetables ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.