Have you ever just wanted something fast, hearty, and crazy good without spending forever in the kitchen?

Well, that’s exactly what this ground beef and broccoli recipe is.

I’ve made it so many times for quick dinners, and I know you’re going to love how easy, flavorful, and comforting it actually is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comes together in 30 minutes or less

• Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients

• Packed with flavor—think savory, saucy, and satisfying

• Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners

• Kids and adults both go for seconds

• A healthier takeout-style dinner you can make at home

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if possible)

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ½ cup beef broth or water

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

• Cooked white rice or brown rice for serving

• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep Everything First

Chop the broccoli, mince the garlic, and slice the onion. Have the sauces ready—this dish moves fast once you start.

Step 2 – Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, then the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3 – Add Onion and Garlic

Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Step 4 – Steam or Sauté the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam it for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, or sauté it in a separate pan with a little oil. If using frozen broccoli, microwave or steam briefly until warmed through.

Step 5 – Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 6 – Combine Everything

Add the broccoli to the beef mixture. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.

Step 7 – Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce. Add a little more soy sauce if you want it saltier or a pinch of sugar if you like a touch of sweetness.

Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the beef and broccoli over a bed of warm rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Use lean ground beef so you don’t end up with greasy sauce

• Don’t overcook the broccoli—keep it bright and slightly crisp

• Want more sauce? Just double the sauce ingredients

• Brown the beef properly for the best flavor

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Overcooking the broccoli – It’ll turn mushy fast, especially frozen

• Not draining the beef – It can make the dish too greasy

• Adding sauce before the beef is fully cooked – Cook it all the way first

• Using too much cornstarch – Start small, you can always thicken more

• Skipping ginger or oyster sauce – They add a lot of flavor

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve over white or brown rice

• For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice

• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

• Plate it in a bowl for that cozy, restaurant feel

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free

• Add red bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas

• Use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a different twist

• Make it spicy with a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months

• Reheat on Stove: Warm it over medium heat with a splash of water

• Reheat in Microwave: Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between

• Rice tip: Keep rice separate when storing to avoid sogginess

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Noodles or ramen for a twist

• Spring rolls or potstickers on the side

• Stir-fried veggies or bok choy

• A simple cucumber salad

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just steam or microwave it before adding so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

Q: What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a little extra soy sauce mixed with sugar can work in a pinch.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely—it reheats really well and tastes great the next day.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey works just as well and lightens it up.

Q: Can I make it without sugar?
Yes, just leave it out or swap with a sugar-free alternative.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce more?
Mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Simmer until it thickens.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got everything you need to whip up this quick and satisfying beef and broccoli dish.

Let me know when you try it—I’d seriously love to hear how it turns out and what fun twists you added.

You Might Also Love

• Lemon Chicken Pasta
• Crispy Spatchcock Chicken
• Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada

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Continue to Content

Ground Beef And Broccoli

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

A fast and flavorful meal that’s easy on the budget and big on taste. Savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli come together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect go-to when you want something satisfying and simple.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds and green onions (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Prep Everything FirstChop the broccoli, mince the garlic, and slice the onion. Have the sauces ready—this dish moves fast once you start.

Step 2 – Brown the BeefHeat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, then the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3 – Add Onion and GarlicStir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Step 4 – Steam or Sauté the Broccoli using fresh broccoli, steam it for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, or sauté it in a separate pan with a little oil. If using frozen broccoli, microwave or steam briefly until warmed through.

Step 5 – Make the Sauce in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 6 – Combine Everything the broccoli to the beef mixture. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.

Step 7 – Taste and AdjustTaste the sauce. Add a little more soy sauce if you want it saltier or a pinch of sugar if you like a touch of sweetness.

Step 8 – Serve and EnjoySpoon the beef and broccoli over a bed of warm rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like.

Notes

You can double the sauce if you like it extra saucy

Frozen broccoli is fine, just don’t overcook it

If using very lean meat, add a little extra oil

This dish is great for meal-prepping lunches

Nutrition Information

Yield 4
Amount Per Serving Calories ~330

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