Do Share Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe | Quick Weeknight Meal

I recently tried making this ground beef and broccoli recipe, and I have to say—it exceeded all my expectations! The combination of savory beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce made it an instant favorite in my household. I love how quick and simple it is, yet it tastes like something from a restaurant.

For a twist on beef dishes, you can also enjoy Korean Steak Tacos Recipe, which brings a different flavor profile to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make it perfect every time.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

1 lb ground beef – I recommend 80/20 for juiciness and flavor.
4 cups fresh broccoli florets – tender yet slightly crisp; avoid frozen if you want the best texture.
1 medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
1 red bell pepper, sliced – optional, for color and crunch.
2 cloves garlic, minced – gives the dish a fragrant, savory aroma.
3 tbsp soy sauce – I prefer low-sodium to control salt levels.
2 tbsp oyster sauce – boosts umami flavor; skip for vegetarian versions.
1 tbsp brown sugar – balances the savory sauce; can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
1 tsp sesame oil – adds a nutty aroma at the end of cooking.
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water – thickens the sauce to perfection.
½ cup beef broth – or chicken broth; enriches the sauce.

Note: Serves 4

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your preferences:

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal.
Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, kale, or water chestnuts for more texture.
For a sugar-free version, replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.

For more fun beef variations, check out Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe for a Mexican-inspired twist.

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy tools, just a few basics:

Skillet or wok – for even cooking and quick stir-frying.
Spatula – to cook and crumble the beef efficiently.
Small bowl – to mix cornstarch slurry.
Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables neatly.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Crumble the beef as it cooks, then drain excess grease. Add the bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and beef broth. Pour it into the skillet with the beef mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Shake the cornstarch slurry and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to bubble gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Reduce heat to low and stir the broccoli back into the skillet. Coat evenly with the sauce, then garnish with green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make this dish even more delicious:

I like to pat broccoli dry if using frozen; it prevents soggy stir-fry.
Adding garlic at the end gives a fresher, more aromatic flavor.
For extra depth, I sometimes toast sesame seeds before sprinkling on top.
Let the sauce bubble gently; high heat can make it too thick or sticky.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

This dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For added flair, sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even crushed peanuts. I like using a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant broccoli and glossy sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 320 kcal – filling yet light.
Protein: 24 g – perfect for a protein-packed dinner.
Carbohydrates: 14 g – mainly from veggies and sauce.
Fat: 18 g – includes healthy fats from beef and sesame oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in meal-sized portions for easy weeknight dinners.

Reheating

Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick and easy – ready in 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Versatile – swap proteins and veggies to suit your taste.
Flavor-packed – sweet, savory, and umami all in one dish.
Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it.
Make-ahead friendly – perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Ben Carraoli