The Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and taste buds.

A ground beef and broccoli recipe emerges as the perfect solution for busy households craving a hearty meal.

Lean ground beef pairs beautifully with vibrant green broccoli florets, creating a protein-packed dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Simple seasonings like soy sauce and garlic add depth and richness to this straightforward meal.

The combination delivers a nutritious balance of vegetables and meat that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef and Broccoli, Family Favorite

• A delightful one-pan meal that brings everyone together with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Combines lean protein from ground beef with fiber-rich broccoli for a balanced, wholesome dinner that supports healthy eating.
• Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy households craving a tasty, home-cooked meal.
• Easily adaptable with optional rice serving or potential vegetable swaps, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish to their taste preferences.

The Ingredient List for Beef and Broccoli

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of this dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the ground beef base.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that provides a fresh and crisp texture to the recipe.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Wine Vinegar: A balanced combination of salty, sweet, and tangy elements that create a rich sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beef and broccoli.
• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a bold and authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and warm undertone to the dish.

• Avocado Oil: A high-heat cooking oil that helps prevent sticking and adds a mild flavor.

• Rice: A classic accompaniment that complements the beef and broccoli mixture.

Cooking Tools for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Large bowl: For whisking sauce ingredients together smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce components evenly.
• Large non-stick skillet: Perfect for steaming broccoli and cooking beef.
• Slotted spoon: Helps transfer steamed broccoli without excess water.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for measuring sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing ginger and chopping onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.

Beef and Broccoli Stepwise Method

Step 1: Whip Up a Zesty Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice wine vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Fresh minced ginger
• Crushed garlic
• Sesame oil

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Prepare Tender Broccoli Florets

Place broccoli florets in a large non-stick skillet with a splash of water.

Cover with a tight lid and steam over medium heat for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a clean plate.

Wipe the skillet dry.

Step 3: Brown the Protein and Aromatics

Heat avocado oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and chopped onions.

Sizzle and stir for about 7 minutes until the beef turns a rich golden brown and the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors

Pour the prepared sauce over the sizzling beef.

Let it simmer and thicken, coating the meat with a glossy, aromatic glaze.

Gently fold the steamed broccoli back into the skillet, ensuring every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the beef and broccoli immediately.

For a complete meal, serve over fluffy white rice or enjoy on its own.

The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.

Tricks for Juicy Beef and Broccoli

• Steam broccoli just until bright green and tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef after cooking to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.
• Use freshly minced ginger and garlic for a more intense, aromatic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce calories while keeping the protein content high and the meal satisfying.

Fresh Ways to Switch Up Beef and Broccoli

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, more nutrient-dense meal option.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the existing recipe for those who enjoy extra heat and want a more intense flavor experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Beef and Broccoli, Served with Style

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal that catches all the delicious sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top to add fresh crunch and authentic flavor profile.
• Spice Level Boost: Drizzle sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a zesty kick with their ground beef and broccoli dish.
• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange in a large serving bowl with extra sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their portion according to personal taste preferences.

How to Store Beef and Broccoli Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Will keep for 2-3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• Is rice wine vinegar necessary?

Yes, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for similar tangy flavor if rice wine vinegar is unavailable.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to prevent watery dish. Pat dry with paper towels for better texture.

• What type of ground beef is recommended?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures juicy, flavorful meat that won’t dry out during cooking. Avoid extremely lean options like 93/7.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers robust flavors from Asian cuisine. Quick weeknight dinner satisfies hunger with protein-packed ingredients and simple cooking technique.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Serving:

• Cooked rice

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Instructions

1. In a mixing vessel, combine soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, minced ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, whisking thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, unified sauce.
2. Place broccoli florets and minimal water into a large non-stick skillet at medium heat. Secure with a tight lid and steam precisely 5 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Remove broccoli using a slotted spoon and set aside on a clean plate. Quickly wipe the skillet clean.
3. Introduce avocado oil into the same skillet, elevating heat to medium-high. Carefully deposit ground beef and chopped onions, allowing them to sizzle and brown for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Cascade the prepared sauce over the simmering beef, stirring continuously until the liquid transforms into a glossy, thickened coating that clings beautifully to the meat. Gently reintroduce the steamed broccoli, tossing everything to guarantee comprehensive integration of flavors.
5. Present the aromatic mixture immediately, optionally nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Customize Heat Level by adjusting the amount of minced ginger and garlic, creating a mild or more intense flavor profile depending on personal preference.
• Boost Nutritional Value swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the dish’s delicious taste.
• Meal Prep Hack prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately to quickly assemble the meal during busy weeknights, saving time and reducing cooking stress.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg