Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful twist on a classic Asian dish that perfectly combines tender, fresh broccoli with the richness of ground beef. The sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that is both savory and subtly sweet, thanks to ingredients like soy sauce and honey. This recipe marries the textures of crisp vegetables with the comforting heartiness of meat, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
I first encountered Ground Beef and Broccoli during a busy weekday evening when I was searching for something quick yet delicious to whip up. What started as a simple need for a fast meal quickly transformed into a cherished recipe in my weeknight cooking repertoire. It’s easy on the wallet, easily adaptable to what you have on hand, and often draws rave reviews from my family. You’re sure to enjoy the charming flavors and the minimal clean-up involved, so grab your skillet and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepped in just 10 minutes and cooked in 25, dinner will be ready in under an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of honey creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green broccoli florets against the juicy beef make a colorful and appetizing plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight meal, but impressive enough for gatherings or dinner parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modified for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients. You can substitute with asparagus if needed.
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: A staple for that umami flavor, but you can use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This enhances the dish’s savory depth. Vegetarian versions are available if needed.
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness; can substitute with rice vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the saltiness, though maple syrup also works well.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a warm aroma; dried garlic can be used in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh minced ginger): Adds a lovely zing; you can use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish; arrowroot powder is a great substitute.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives depth and a nutty flavor; olive oil can be used, but the taste will vary slightly.
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: The leaner the beef, the healthier your dish. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if desired.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: This adds sweetness and texture; white or red onions can be used instead.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust according to your taste.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, adding crunch and a toasted flavor; substitute with chopped nuts if preferred.
- 2 green onions (sliced on the bias): These make a lovely garnish, but you could skip them or use chives instead.
- Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): To round out the meal, rice complements the dish perfectly.
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 about 2 minutes, just until the broccoli is barely fork tender. Drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it retains its vibrant color. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
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 well combined. This mixture will thicken beautifully during cooking, bringing all the flavors together.
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same skillet over MEDIUM heat. Add 1 pound of 93% lean ground beef and 1 cup of coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are beginning to soften. Try to keep the beef a bit chunky for that ideal texture. Drain off any excess grease and season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Stir in the partially cooked broccoli and the prepared stir fry sauce. Cook for another few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and is well incorporated with the beef and broccoli. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked and the sauce is nice and thick, remove it from the heat and let it rest for several minutes. Serve the dish hot, garnished with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions. For a complete meal, spoon it over cooked white or brown rice.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. In the refrigerator, it can last for 3–4 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop until heated through. The texture may slightly change, but you can refresh it with a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to revive its flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to ensure it retains some crunch.
- Make sure your ground beef is well browned for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- If making ahead, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
This Ground Beef and Broccoli is not just easy to prepare but also allows room for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this dish rises to the occasion, balancing flavor and simplicity in every bite. With its comforting ingredients and burst of flavor, it’s a hit for family dinners, meal prepping, or even casual gatherings with friends. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, perhaps experimenting with different proteins or vegetables!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. It tastes just as good!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it directly to the skillet without blanching, but be mindful of the cooking time as frozen veggies typically need a little longer.
What can I serve with this dish?
Ground Beef and Broccoli pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can even add it to lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the cooking step and store the sauce and vegetables separately in the fridge. Just cook them together when you’re ready to enjoy!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
- Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato
- Corned Beef & Cabbage Sheet-Pan Dinner (No Boiling Pot Required)
- Sheet-Pan Sausage, Cabbage & Potatoes (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli offers a delightful mix of flavors with tender beef and fresh broccoli coated in a savory sauce. It’s a quick, homemade meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering wholesome ingredients and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Place broccoli in a skillet, adding enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onion softens. Drain excess grease, season with salt and pepper, then add the broccoli and sauce mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with rice.
Notes
You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. Adjust cooking time as necessary when using frozen.
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
