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Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ground beef and broccoli is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s hearty, satisfying, and easy on the budget.
When I first made this recipe for my partner, it became an instant favorite. The simplicity of a hearty, wholesome meal—made in under 30 minutes—was exactly what we both needed after a hectic workday.
Table of Contents
- Why is this dish a lifesaver for weeknights?
- What ingredients do you need for Ground Beef and Broccoli?
- How do you make Ground Beef and Broccoli step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Broccoli
- What are the best pairings for this meal?
- What mistakes should you avoid when making this dish?
Why is this dish a lifesaver for weeknights?
This simple recipe saves time without compromising on flavor or nutrition, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules.
- Quick to cook: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a pinch.
- Affordable ingredients: Using ground beef and broccoli makes this both budget-friendly and filling.
- One-pan solution: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add noodles to suit your preference.
What ingredients do you need for Ground Beef and Broccoli?
This recipe requires kitchen staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to create a quick, flavorful meal.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles (optional, for serving)
The oyster sauce adds a bold umami flavor, while the sesame oil gives the dish a delightful nutty aroma. Together, they create a perfectly balanced and satisfying sauce.
How do you make Ground Beef and Broccoli step by step?
This dish comes together in a few simple steps, making it a breeze to whip up after a long day.
Step 1 — Prepare the cornstarch mixture
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth and set aside.
Step 2 — Heat the oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 3 — Cook the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4 — Sauté the aromatics
In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Kitchen ApplianceBreville Smart Oven Air Fryer
A versatile appliance that can steam broccoli or reheat leftovers perfectly.
Essential CookwareLodge Cast Iron Skillet 12-inch
Perfect for evenly cooking ground beef and stir-frying broccoli in this recipe.
Step 5 — Stir-fry the broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.
Step 6 — Combine beef and broccoli
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix with the broccoli.
Step 7 — Add the sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 8 — Finish and serve
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli. Remove from heat and serve hot, optionally over cooked rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Broccoli
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce or soy sauce for a slight flavor difference. Adjust to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
What are the best pairings for this meal?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with several sides for a satisfying meal:
- Steamed white rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Noodles: Toss the dish with lo mein or rice noodles for a comforting twist.
- Cheesy sides: Balance the savory flavors with our cheesy broccoli casserole.
- Asian-inspired salads: Add a refreshing bite with a tangy cucumber salad.
What mistakes should you avoid when making this dish?
To get the best results, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the broccoli: Keep a close eye to avoid mushy florets. They should be tender-crisp.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: It’s key for creating a glossy, thick sauce, so don’t skip it!
- Not seasoning the beef: Be sure to season the ground beef properly for maximum flavor in the final dish.
Ground Beef and Broccoli
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring ground beef and tender broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix with the broccoli.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, optionally over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
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