Savory Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition.

This ground beef and broccoli recipe brings together lean protein and vibrant green vegetables in a delightful combination.

The dish simmers with rich, savory notes that dance across your palate.

Bold spices and tender meat create a harmony that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe transforms standard ingredients into something truly special.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this wholesome, comforting dinner.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Broccoli Beef

• Mastering this ground beef and broccoli recipe is a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• With just one skillet and simple ingredients, you'll whip up a restaurant-worthy meal that tastes like takeout but is way healthier.
• Swap ingredients easily to match your dietary needs or pantry contents – low-carb, gluten-free, or spice-loving variations are totally possible.
• Packed with protein from ground beef and loaded with green goodness from broccoli, this dish delivers a balanced, satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Simplicity

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the hearty base of this delicious dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the recipe.

• Soy Sauce, Water, Vinegar, Sesame Oil: A combination of liquids that creates a rich and balanced flavor profile for the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beef and broccoli.

• Ginger, Garlic: Provides a classic Asian-inspired flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and extra depth to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the broccoli and ground beef, ensuring proper cooking and preventing sticking.

How to Make Beef & Broccoli at Home

Step 1: Whip Up The Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Set this magic mixture aside.

Step 2: Sizzle The Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

You want the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.

Drop in ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Let the meat develop a beautiful golden-brown color, which takes about 5 minutes.

If excess fat accumulates, carefully remove some but keep a little for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Lower the heat to medium.

Return broccoli to the skillet with the beef.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring to coat evenly.

Watch the sauce thicken and become glossy.

Toss gently for 1-3 minutes, ensuring ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from heat immediately.

Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Your delicious ground beef and broccoli feast is ready to devour!

Tips for Better Beef & Broccoli

• Mix sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and prevent last-minute rushing, ensuring all flavors blend perfectly before hitting the pan.
• Cook broccoli just until bright green and tender-crisp to maintain optimal texture and vibrant color, avoiding mushy or overcooked vegetables.
• Remove excess beef fat during browning but keep a small amount for enhanced flavor, creating a balanced and delicious final dish.
• Watch sauce closely as it thickens with cornstarch, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, even coating on beef and broccoli.
• Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Save and Heat Beef & Broccoli the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 2-3 months.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent burning, heating until steaming hot throughout.

What to Pair with This Broccoli Beef

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ground beef, offering a light, refreshing counterpoint to the savory sauce.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Quick cucumber or radish pickles add tangy brightness that balances the umami-packed ground beef and broccoli dish.
• Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in each bite.
• Complement with Sesame Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top provide nutty crunch and reinforce the dish's Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Flavor Ideas for Beef and Broccoli

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meat-free protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute brown sugar with erythritol or stevia, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, and ensure low-carb soy sauce for a ketogenic diet adaptation.
• Spicy Lovers Edition: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, and include sliced jalapeños during cooking to amplify the spice level.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, confirm cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and serve over gluten-free rice or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly preparation.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this ground beef and broccoli recipe flavorful?

The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic creates a rich, complex flavor profile that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami tastes in the dish.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a protein-packed meal with lean ground beef and nutrient-rich broccoli. The recipe uses minimal oil and includes vegetables, making it a relatively nutritious option for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to match your personal taste preference.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli brings together classic Chinese-American flavors in a quick, satisfying meal. Lean protein and tender broccoli create a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition that you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef

Main Vegetables:

• 3.4 cups broccoli florets (approximately 300 grams)

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (120 ml)
• 1 cup water (240 ml)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (about 55 grams)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients beforehand. Craft the sauce by blending soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until seamlessly integrated.
2. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Aim for tender-crisp texture with a slight crunch. Transfer cooked broccoli to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Introduce ground beef, breaking into smaller pieces during cooking. Sear for approximately 5 minutes until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Lower heat to medium. Reintroduce broccoli into the skillet with beef. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring to ensure comprehensive coating. Allow sauce to thicken for 1-3 minutes, creating a glossy, even layer.
5. Remove skillet from heat once sauce reaches desired consistency. Plate immediately over rice, noodles, or serve as a standalone protein-rich dish. Garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking.
• Use fresh broccoli with crisp, vibrant green florets for the best texture and nutrient retention.
• Drain excess beef fat to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter dish that doesn’t feel heavy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg