Name: “Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey); 1/2 cup beef broth (or water); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry); Cooked white rice, for serving; Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a dish that will whisk you straight to takeout heaven while letting you keep your feet up at home, Ground Beef and Broccoli is your new weeknight champion. This mouthwatering stir-fry brings together tender morsels of ground beef and vibrant broccoli in a silky, savory sauce highlighted by garlic and ginger. It packs tons of flavor and texture yet only asks for 25 minutes of your time. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and shockingly easy to pull off, making it ideal for those busy nights or when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Ground Beef and Broccoli is just how fuss-free the ingredient list is. Each item brings something essential to the table, whether it’s deep flavor, irresistible crunch, or that irresistible glossy sauce. Here’s what you’ll be tossing into your pan:

Ground Beef: The star protein that browns up quickly and soaks in all the savory flavors.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, these add that signature crunch and a burst of color.
Vegetable Oil (or Sesame Oil): This helps everything sizzle just right and adds a hint of nutty flavor if you use sesame oil.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with delicious, aromatic kick.
Fresh Ginger: A zesty brightness that balances the richness of the beef beautifully.
Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred): Deep, salty umami forms the backbone of the sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a sweet, complex, and slightly briny depth.
Brown Sugar (or Honey): A touch of sweetness to contrast the savory notes.
Beef Broth (or Water): Helps meld all the flavors and forms the base of your sauce.
Cornstarch + Water (slurry): Creates that glistening, silky texture we all crave in a stir-fry sauce.
Cooked White Rice: Perfect for catching every luscious drop of sauce.
Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions (optional): These pretty garnishes add crunch, freshness, and a pop of flavor to finish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Get That Pan Hot

Before anything else, get your largest skillet or wok preheated over medium-high heat. When you add your oil, it should shimmer—this is key for achieving that satisfying “stir-fry” sear and ensuring your ground beef cooks evenly from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Toss your ground beef into the hot pan and break it apart with a trusty spatula. Let it cook until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. This is where flavor is built, so don’t be afraid of a little caramelization! If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and carefully drain it off.

Step 3: Aromatics Galore

Next, add your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger straight to the beef. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—this quick sizzle releases all those herbal, punchy notes that truly set Ground Beef and Broccoli apart from the takeout kind.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Time for those beautiful green florets! Stir them into the beef and aromatics, tossing for two to three minutes. You want the broccoli tender-crisp, holding onto enough of its bite to be satisfying but not raw. (If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure it’s thawed and patted dry.)

Step 5: Make the Umami Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. This combo forms a salty-sweet, bold base—once mixed well, pour it over everything in the pan and give a good toss.

Step 6: Sauce Perfection

While everything’s bubbling away, stir up a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Pour this into the pan and cook for another two to three minutes. The sauce should instantly start to thicken, coat all your ingredients, and turn glossy. That’s your cue: it’s time to serve!

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon your Ground Beef and Broccoli over a bed of steaming hot rice. If you want an extra flourish, sprinkle on sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that truly irresistible finish.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just for looks—sesame seeds lend a gentle crunch and nutty flavor, while fresh green onions provide a bright, sharp lift against the rich sauce. If you’re feeling daring, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha will make every forkful pop!

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely sings when paired with fluffy white rice, soaking up every drop of that velvety sauce. For something different, try it with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even a tangle of stir-fried noodles. If you want to round out the table, a light cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re cooking for guests or just want to spice up a weekday meal, try serving Ground Beef and Broccoli in lettuce cups for a handheld, refreshing twist. You could also spoon the mixture into meal prep bowls with rice and a medley of colorful raw veggies for a gorgeous, healthy lunch box upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli keeps remarkably well. Once it cools, pop it into an airtight container and store in the fridge—it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. That makes tomorrow’s lunch a breeze!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this stir-fry for even more convenience. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (with or without rice), then stash away for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results—just remember, the broccoli will be softer after freezing, but still delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or toss everything into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat until everything is hot and the sauce regains its shine.

FAQs

Can I use another type of ground meat?

Definitely! Ground chicken or turkey make excellent leaner alternatives without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to season a little extra as they’re milder than beef (a splash more soy sauce works like magic).

Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

Either works well! Fresh broccoli will hold its texture a bit better, but frozen is fantastically convenient—just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your pan.

How can I make Ground Beef and Broccoli spicier?

If you love a punch of heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of red pepper flakes when mixing your sauce. Chili garlic sauce is another terrific way to add complexity and spice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and check your oyster sauce for hidden gluten (there are many gluten-free brands available!).

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, double all the ingredients and make sure to use a large enough pan so everything browns and stir-fries beautifully.

Final Thoughts

With its quick cook time, bold flavors, and endless flexibility, Ground Beef and Broccoli is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade meal that’s every bit as satisfying as your favorite takeout. Give this recipe a try and see just how simple deliciousness can be!