Ground beef and broccoli is a fantastic combination that creates a delicious and nutritious meal. This dish is not only a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also packed with protein, vitamins, and flavors that will satisfy any palate. Whether you're meal prepping, following a low-carb diet, or simply looking for a new dinner idea, this ground beef and broccoli recipe is perfect for you. Follow along for an easy-to-make dish that will soon become one of your household favorites!

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground beef and broccoli is a simple stir-fry dish featuring two main ingredients: ground beef and fresh broccoli florets. The dish is usually prepared with a savory sauce, often a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other flavor enhancers. What makes this recipe stand out is how easy it is to put together while delivering restaurant-quality flavors. With only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying meal prep option.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli
To make this delicious ground beef and broccoli recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. These items are easy to find at any grocery store, and they come together to create an incredibly flavorful dish.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean, but any will work)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth and richness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for a rich, nutty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- ¼ cup beef broth (or water for a lighter sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic adds a lot of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (fresh ginger is best, but ground ginger works too)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for acidity)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust to your liking)
Ingredient List for Ground Beef and Broccoli Sauce
The sauce is the key component that ties everything together. For this recipe, a savory, slightly sweet sauce enhances the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a salty, umami flavor.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and umami richness to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way to give the dish a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the meat and broccoli perfectly.
- Beef Broth: Provides extra moisture and a slight beefy flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the beef.
- Brown Sugar: Optional but helps balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds a hint of spice.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some common substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own:
- Ground Beef: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.
- Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is unavailable, or substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari. Coconut aminos can also be used for a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative.
- Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a little bit of Worcestershire sauce can provide similar depth.
- Sesame Oil: You can skip sesame oil if needed, though it will slightly change the flavor. You can use olive oil as a neutral alternative.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can work in place of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
- Spices: Customize the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Let’s walk through how to make this tasty ground beef and broccoli dish. It’s simple, and you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, beef broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they turn bright green and start to soften. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the ground beef, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Once the beef is fully cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the broccoli and beef are evenly coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, over rice or noodles if desired, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Ground Beef and Broccoli
Even with a straightforward recipe like this one, there are a few mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Broccoli should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Sauté it just long enough to retain its bright green color and a bit of crunch.
- Not Draining Fat from the Beef: If you’re using ground beef with higher fat content, drain the excess fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy dish.
- Skipping the Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the beef and broccoli. Skipping this step can result in a watery sauce.
- Cooking the Beef on Too Low a Heat: For the best flavor, cook the beef on medium-high heat so it browns nicely. Browning develops flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Ground beef and broccoli can be served in various ways depending on your dietary preferences and creativity in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting this dish:
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Over Rice: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- With Noodles: Toss the ground beef and broccoli mixture with cooked noodles, such as udon, soba, or spaghetti.
- As a Low-Carb Option: Serve the dish on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a fun twist, serve ground beef and broccoli in lettuce leaves for a lighter, handheld meal.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped cilantro or green onions make a vibrant garnish.
- Color Contrast: Serve on a white plate to make the vibrant green broccoli and golden-brown beef pop visually.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Present the dish directly in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle look.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your ground beef and broccoli turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and garlic will give you the best flavors, though frozen broccoli works in a pinch.
- Make it Ahead: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's perfect for meal prep!
- Reheat Properly: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the broccoli, rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
Is This Dish Keto-Friendly?
Yes, as long as you avoid serving it with rice or noodles, this ground beef and broccoli recipe is low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet.
What Can I Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Conclusion
Ground beef and broccoli is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing your family with a healthy homemade meal. Try it today, and don’t forget to play around with the variations and substitutions to make it your own! Happy cooking!
PrintGround Beef And Broccoli Recipe
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple and delicious meal featuring tender beef and fresh broccoli, perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. With lean ground beef and crisp broccoli cooked in a savory sauce, it delivers a balanced mix of protein and veggies, ideal for those seeking low-carb meals. This stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and cornstarch (if using).
- Pour sauce over beef and broccoli, stir to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle sesame oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnish with red pepper flakes or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Adjust the sauce by adding a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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