I first threw this Ground Beef and Broccoli dish together on one of those hectic weeknights when you’re craving takeout but not the wait or the price tag. Honestly, my first attempt was good, but the broccoli came out a bit too soft. It took a couple of tries, but I eventually nailed the technique for getting those florets perfectly crisp, and it made all the difference.
What I absolutely love about this recipe, and why I think you will too, is its incredible simplicity and mouthwatering flavor. The rich, savory ground beef combined with fresh broccoli, all coated in a beautifully balanced, slightly sweet sauce, is just pure comfort in a bowl. Better yet, this entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for busy schedules. This Ground Beef and Broccoli has become my go-to, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
- 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Savory Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced & 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
For Serving
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Steamed white rice
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
This delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
First things first, let’s get the sauce ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Continue whisking until the cornstarch and sugar are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Afterwards, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Set this bowl aside for later.
Expert Tip: Preparing the sauce first is a classic stir-fry technique called “mise en place.” It ensures all your components are ready to go, so you’re not scrambling once the cooking starts.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for the broccoli to become bright green and just barely tender. Once it’s ready, transfer it to a separate plate.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, using a spoon to break the meat into smaller crumbles, until it’s browned all over, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Give your prepared sauce another quick stir, then pour it into the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken this usually takes about 2 minutes.
Finally, add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the broccoli is heated through and everything is coated in that beautiful, glossy sauce. Your Ground Beef and Broccoli is ready!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, serve the dish hot over a bed of steamed white rice. For a little extra flair and flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
My Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that take this dish from good to great. These small details make a world of difference in the final result.
My Secret to Perfectly Crisp Broccoli
If there’s one tip I can’t stress enough, it’s this: cook the broccoli separately first. Tossing it in the pan for just a few minutes until it’s bright green and then removing it while you cook the beef is crucial. This method prevents it from overcooking in the sauce later on, which is the number one cause of mushy broccoli. It guarantees a perfect tender-crisp bite every time.
Use Fresh Aromatics
While garlic and ginger powder are convenient, they simply can’t match the vibrant, zesty flavor of fresh ingredients. Minced garlic and freshly grated ginger are key to creating that authentic, restaurant-quality taste in your Ground Beef and Broccoli. It’s a small step that yields a huge flavor payoff.
Don’t Undercook the Sauce
When you pour the sauce into the skillet, make sure you let it come to a full bubble. This is what activates the cornstarch and allows the sauce to thicken to that luscious, glossy consistency you’re looking for. Stir it constantly for a minute or two until it’s visibly thicker; otherwise, you might end up with a watery sauce.
Variations of this Easy Ground Beef Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these simple variations.
Add More Vegetables
This dish is a fantastic way to use up any extra vegetables you have in the fridge. For instance, you could add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the skillet along with the broccoli. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Make it a Spicy Ground Beef and Broccoli
If you like a little bit of a kick, it’s incredibly easy to add some heat. Simply whisk a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite chili garlic sauce into the sauce mixture before pouring it into the pan. You can adjust the amount to match your preferred level of spice.
Low-Carb Ground Beef and Broccoli
For a lighter, low-carb meal, the fix is simple. Instead of serving the Ground Beef and Broccoli over traditional white rice, try pairing it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even just a simple side salad. It’s just as delicious and satisfying.
Print
Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring savory ground beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli florets coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a simple, homemade alternative to takeout that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Savory Stir-Fry Sauce
1 cup water
6 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
For Serving
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Steamed white rice
Instructions
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Set the sauce aside.
Cook the Broccoli
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and barely tender. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate.
Brown the Ground Beef
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles, until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine and Thicken
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and stir until it’s heated through and coated in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Serve the dish hot over steamed white rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Preventing Mushy Broccoli: For perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, cook it separately first until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Removing it from the pan before adding the beef and sauce prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Enhancing Flavor: Using fresh garlic and ginger provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor than powdered alternatives. This small step makes a significant difference in the final taste of the dish.
Achieving a Thick Sauce: Don’t be afraid to let the sauce come to a full boil once you’ve added it to the pan. This activates the cornstarch and is crucial for achieving that desired glossy, thick consistency. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the stir-fry sauce and chop the broccoli ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and keep the broccoli in a sealed bag in the crisper drawer for a quick assembly on a busy night.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef, beef and broccoli, stir-fry, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, quick recipe, one-pan meal
