Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tsp. grated ginger; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 Tbsp. brown sugar; 2 Tbsp. cornstarch; 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp. sesame oil; 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil; 1 lb. ground beef; 1/2 tsp. sea salt; 16 oz. broccoli florets; for serving: sliced green onion, soy sauce, sriracha/garlic chile sauce, sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe — it’s everything you could want in a hearty weeknight meal! Juicy browned beef comes together with vibrant green broccoli in a glossy, savory sauce packed with irresistible flavors of ginger, garlic, and a sweet little kick. Whether you’re craving something comforting but quick, or you just want a guaranteed family favorite, this dish brings a takeout classic right to your own kitchen, fresh and fast.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is that every ingredient serves a purpose. From bold aromatics to color-popping veggies, each element adds a new layer of flavor or texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip or reason for each:

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with a warm savoriness that’s absolutely essential.
Ginger: Grated ginger brings a punchy, slightly spicy brightness that wakes everything up.
Soy Sauce: The salty depth of soy gives that signature umami taste to the sauce.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the soy and balances the tang from the vinegar.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, making it glossy and perfect for coating every bit of beef and broccoli.
Rice Wine Vinegar: This ingredient adds just the right touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the beef.
Sesame Oil: Just a hint lifts the aroma and gives authentic nutty flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for getting the beef browned without overpowering other flavors.
Ground Beef: The star protein of the dish; choose lean beef for great flavor but less grease.
Sea Salt: Enhances every ingredient — remember, a little goes a long way!
Broccoli Florets: Their crunch and vibrant color make the recipe as good-looking as it is tasty.
For Serving: Sliced green onion, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sriracha or garlic chile sauce add final flavor pops and visual flair.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

Let’s start by making the sauce that will bring our Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe to life. Whisk together the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce packs all those signature sweet, savory, and umami flavors, and the cornstarch will give it the perfect, luxurious thickness once it hits the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, heat your vegetable oil in a large, nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with sea salt. Break it up as it cooks using your spatula or the back of a spoon — the goal is to get crumbled bits with beautiful browning. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s deeply fragrant and most of the pink is gone; this step builds the backbone of flavor for the whole dish.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets right into the pan with the beef. Stir everything together so the broccoli mingles with that tasty rendered beef fat. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and let it cook for another 4-5 minutes. This softens the broccoli just enough, so it becomes tender but still keeps a nice bit of crunch — otherwise, the dish would be flat both in flavor and texture.

Step 4: Finish with The Sauce

Crank the heat back up to medium, take off the lid, and pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Stir everything together (the smell is amazing by now!) and cook for another 1-3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce go from thin to glossy and thick, perfectly coating the broccoli and beef. This final toss is what transforms everything into the signature Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe we crave.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the savory beef and broccoli mixture over fluffy white rice or your favorite grain. Then it’s all about the toppings: scatter sliced green onion and sesame seeds for crunch and color, and don’t forget a splash of soy sauce or drizzle of sriracha for a little heat if you like things spicy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe isn’t just about making it look restaurant-worthy — it adds genuine flavor and excitement! Go bold with a sprinkle of green onions, which add a fresh bite, and a scattering of sesame seeds for nutty crunch. If you’re a fan of spice, a zigzag of sriracha or a spoonful of garlic chili sauce takes every bite up a notch.

Side Dishes

This dish is amazing over classic white rice, but don’t stop there. Try serving it with brown rice, quinoa, or a light cauliflower rice if you want something extra healthy. Pair it up with a quick cucumber salad or some crunchy spring rolls for a complete, Asian-inspired dinner spread that comes together in no time.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your family or guests? Serve this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe in individual bowls with rice shaped using a measuring cup for that bistro feel. Or, try ladling the saucy mixture into lettuce cups for a fresh low-carb take. It even works well stuffed into steamed bao buns for a fun appetizer at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, rejoice — this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe reheats beautifully! Simply let any extra cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, turning tomorrow’s lunch into a real treat.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well, making it a fantastic prep-ahead option. Just make sure everything has cooled, then portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a speedy meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To warm things back up, you can reheat the Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe gently in a skillet over medium-low heat; add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch — just stir halfway through for even heating, and you’re back to delicious in minutes.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Just adjust seasoning as needed since other proteins might be milder in flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger or garlic?

No worries! You can use jarred minced garlic and ginger paste. While the flavor might be slightly mellower, it will still add delicious aroma and taste to your dish with maximum convenience.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?

It’s all about timing and not overcooking. Keep the lid on for just 4-5 minutes, then finish with the sauce uncovered. This keeps the broccoli a little crisp and gorgeously green rather than limp.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your other sauces are certified gluten-free to keep it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

Is this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe spicy?

By default, the dish is quite mild, so everyone can enjoy it. To add heat, simply offer sriracha or garlic chile sauce at the table — it’s the perfect way to let everyone customize their own plate!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a weeknight winner that feels a bit like a cozy night in and a delicious night out all at once, give this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe a try. Fast, fun, and bursting with flavor — it really might become your new go-to. Why not whip it up tonight and see for yourself?

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with crispy broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal!

Instructions

Mix the stir-fry sauce: Whisk together minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Cook the beef: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up with a spatula until browned.
Add broccoli: Mix in broccoli with the beef. Cover, lower heat to medium, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove cover, return heat to medium, stir in soy sauce mixture, and cook for 1-3 more minutes until broccoli is tender and sauce is thick.
Serve: Serve beef and broccoli over rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and additional soy sauce and chili garlic sauce to taste.

Notes

This recipe works well with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
For a spicier kick, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian