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Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Shake the cornstarch slurry and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to bubble gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  5. 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.

Notes

  • 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.