Ground Beef And Broccoli
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is amazing because it combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights!

For a quick, healthy dinner, nothing better than Ground Beef and Broccoli. Their combination of lean ground beef, tender broccoli, and savory seasonings creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
This recipe is my husband’s favorite, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s also my favorite—the best dish for busy nights when you want something nutritious and delicious!
To make this dish, you only need a few ingredients like ground beef, broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic. You can also add some other vegetables like bell peppers or onions if you like, and the result is just wow!
The beef and broccoli come together in a savory sauce that’s both filling and healthy. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup quick and easy.
And for a perfect meal, you can serve it with a side of rice or quinoa to absorb the flavorful sauce. You can also add a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side to round out the meal. This recipe is super easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy families!
Why Ground Beef and Broccoli Is Great?
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a great meal because it’s both healthy and easy to make. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, while the broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a balanced dish that can be customized to your taste, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying dinner. The savory flavors and simple ingredients come together to create a delicious meal without much effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
- Lid
- Serving Spoon

How to make Ground Beef And Broccoli
Step 1:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Step 3:
Stir in the broccoli florets, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and beef broth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it in. Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4:
Stir in the sesame oil and grated ginger (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, adding more soy sauce or sugar if needed.
Step 5:
Serve the ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Sauté the Broccoli: If you prefer a bit of crunch, sauté the broccoli for a few minutes before adding it to the beef. This will give it a fresh texture.
- Add Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds more flavor than garlic powder. Sauté the garlic in oil to bring out its rich aroma before adding the beef.
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To make the dish lighter in sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like a saucier dish, add more soy sauce or a splash of water to create more sauce to coat the beef and broccoli.
- Add Some Heat: If you like spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a little heat.
- Serve with Rice or Quinoa: To make the meal more filling, serve it with steamed rice or quinoa. These grains complement the beef and broccoli perfectly.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
I love to serve Ground Beef and Broccoli with a side of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and adds a nice texture that pairs well with the beef and broccoli. It’s a quick, satisfying meal when served with these sides.
I also like to add a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the beef and broccoli. The freshness of the salad adds a nice contrast to the warm, savory dish.
For a complete meal, I sometimes add roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs wonderfully with the savory ground beef and the tender broccoli, creating a well-rounded meal.
Variations of Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Turkey and Broccoli: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version of this dish.
Add Mushrooms: Include sliced mushrooms for a hearty addition that pairs well with the beef and broccoli.
Make It Spicy: Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Hoisin Sauce: Substitute soy sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter, deeper flavor in the sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Stir-fry the beef and broccoli with bell peppers, snap peas, and onions for added crunch and color.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve this dish over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
How to Store Ground Beef and Broccoli
Let Ground Beef and Broccoli cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the beef.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
- Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free version of this dish.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
- Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and provides a lighter alternative to beef.
How do I make it gluten-free?
- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
- Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I use fresh ginger in this recipe?
- Yes, fresh ginger adds great flavor to this dish. You can finely grate it and sauté it with the garlic.
How can I make it spicier?
- Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for extra heat.
Can I add a different sauce?
- Yes, you can experiment with different sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even peanut sauce for a unique twist.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef first, then add the other ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Ground Beef And Broccoli
Course: MainCuisine: Asian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesThis Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is amazing because it combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and beef broth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it in. Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the sesame oil and grated ginger (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, adding more soy sauce or sugar if needed.
- Serve the ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.








