Ground Beef and Broccoli

When dinner needs to be fast, comforting, and full of flavor, Ground Beef and Broccoli is my go-to recipe. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in one pan with minimal effort, yet it tastes like you ordered from your favorite takeout spot. The combination of juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce served over fluffy rice hits every craving note—sweet, salty, umami, and just the right hint of spice.

I started making this dish out of pure necessity—something quick after long days—but it’s grown into a weeknight staple I actually look forward to. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and the leftovers (if there are any) reheat like a dream. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a reliable meal prep option, this recipe delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Fast & easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy nights.
• One-pan meal: Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
• Affordable ingredients: Ground beef and broccoli are pantry and freezer staples.
• Balanced flavors: Sweet, salty, savory, and slightly spicy.
• Kid- and adult-approved: The flavors are crowd-pleasing without being too bold.
• Customizable: Make it low-carb, spicy, or add in extra veggies.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this Ground Beef and Broccoli dish, I prefer using lean ground beef, ideally 85% lean or higher. It has just enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful without making the dish greasy. If you go with a fattier cut like 80/20, make sure to drain off excess fat after browning. On the other hand, if you’re trying to keep it lighter, 90% lean or even ground turkey can work just as well—you’ll just need to bump up the seasoning a bit to make up for the lower fat content.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving, and you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or dietary needs:

• Protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetables: Not a fan of broccoli? Try snap peas, green beans, zucchini, or a frozen stir-fry mix.
• Soy Sauce: If you’re gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos are perfect substitutes.
• Sweetener: Brown sugar adds depth, but honey or maple syrup can also work.
• Rice: Serve it over jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles depending on your preference.
• Spice: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to crank up the heat.

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Ingredients for This Ground Beef and Broccoli

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building bold, balanced flavor while keeping things quick and easy.

• Ground Beef – The protein-packed star of the dish. It cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets – Brings freshness, crunch, and color. A great contrast to the rich beef.
• Soy Sauce – Adds salty, umami depth that forms the base of the stir-fry sauce.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness for that classic stir-fry flavor.
• Garlic – Essential for adding sharp, aromatic richness to the dish.
• Ginger – Brightens the sauce with its warm, peppery zing.
• Sesame Oil – A few drops go a long way in giving the dish its nutty, toasted edge.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.
• Water or Beef Broth – Used to loosen and blend the sauce while keeping it flavorful.
• Green Onions – Stirred in at the end for freshness and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds (optional) – Sprinkled on top for texture and visual appeal.
• Cooked White Rice – The perfect base to soak up all that savory sauce.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water (or beef broth). Stir until smooth and set aside. This will be the flavorful backbone of the dish.

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Step 3: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the beef cooks, quickly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and just tender—about 2 to 3 minutes. You can do this in the microwave with a splash of water or in a pot on the stove. Drain and set aside.

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Step 4: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

Once the beef is cooked and the broccoli is tender, return both to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli.

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Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in chopped green onions. Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired for extra texture and a pop of flavor.

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How Long to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is a true weeknight time-saver. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

• Browning the beef: 6–8 minutes
• Making and mixing the sauce: 2 minutes
• Cooking broccoli (steaming or blanching): 2–3 minutes
• Simmering everything together: 2–3 minutes

Total cook time: About 15 minutes, not including rice (which you can cook simultaneously or use pre-cooked).

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Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Use fresh garlic and ginger. While powders work in a pinch, fresh aromatics boost the flavor significantly.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should stay vibrant and a little crisp for the best texture contrast.
• Thicken the sauce properly. Mix your cornstarch and liquid until smooth before adding to avoid clumps.
• Taste and adjust. Depending on your soy sauce brand and sugar preference, you may want to tweak the balance of salt and sweetness.
• Make it saucier. If you love extra sauce for rice, double the sauce ingredients—just adjust cornstarch accordingly.
• Meal prep friendly. Double the batch and portion into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Use a hot pan. A preheated pan helps sear the beef quickly and avoids steaming.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Ground Beef and Broccoli is a beginner-friendly recipe, a few missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the broccoli: Mushy broccoli ruins the texture contrast. Steam it just until tender and bright green.
• Skipping the sauce mix step: Dumping cornstarch directly into the pan can lead to lumps. Always whisk it with liquid first.
• Not draining the beef fat (if needed): Excess grease can make the dish feel heavy and dilute the sauce’s flavor.
• Using low heat: This is a stir-fry style dish—high heat helps ingredients cook fast and stay crisp.
• Adding the sauce too early: Wait until everything’s in the pan before pouring in the sauce, so it coats evenly.
• Overcrowding the pan: Use a large skillet or work in batches to avoid steaming your beef instead of browning it.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Classic and fluffy, it’s the perfect canvas for soaking up that rich, savory sauce.

Brown Rice or Quinoa

A healthier whole-grain option that still holds up well to the bold flavors.

Garlic Noodles

A buttery, garlicky noodle side pairs beautifully and makes the meal feel even more indulgent.

Fried Rice

For a takeout-style experience, serve it with simple vegetable or egg fried rice.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy, and tangy—this lightens up the plate and balances the savory meat.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Serve them on the side or cut into bite-sized pieces for a fun, crispy addition.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Quick to cook and super flavorful with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Miso Soup

A warm, light starter that pairs surprisingly well and adds a Japanese-inspired touch.

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Storage Instructions

Ground Beef and Broccoli is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish (without rice) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Tip: If meal prepping, keep the rice separate for the best texture when reheated.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 950mg

For a lighter version, you can use leaner beef or ground turkey and reduce the sauce sugar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli low-carb?

Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the brown sugar or use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.

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Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well—just thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid watering down the sauce.

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What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening alternative, or simply simmer the sauce longer to reduce naturally.

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Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for cooking in batches for the week.

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Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a kick.

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What type of soy sauce should I use?

Regular soy sauce works well, but low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching salt intake.

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How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?

Steam or blanch it just until crisp-tender and add it at the end of cooking to preserve its texture.

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Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in two batches to ensure the beef browns properly instead of steaming.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is one of those rare dishes that hits the sweet spot between easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect solution when you want something fast but crave real flavor. With a savory sauce, crisp broccoli, and juicy beef, every bite is better than takeout—and healthier, too. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead, or just need a quick dinner idea, this one-pan wonder will become your go-to weeknight champion.

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