Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Savory Skillet Magic: Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Sizzling flavors collide in this mouthwatering ground beef and broccoli recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of tender ground beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and greens, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive meal that comes together in mere minutes.

The secret lies in the savory sauce that coats every morsel with rich, umami goodness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this quick and delectable recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this culinary adventure and transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Wok and Prep Tools for Quick Sautéing

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful sauce components.
  • Steamer or steaming basket: Needed to cook broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing beef and sauce smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions, garlic, and green onion garnish.

Stir-Frying Instructions for a Balanced Beef & Broccoli Dish

  • Broccoli Preparation

Wash broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets. Steam until bright green and slightly crisp, maintaining a tender crunch that will add texture to the final dish.

  • Beef Sizzle

Heat a large skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions. Break the meat into small crumbles, allowing it to brown and develop rich, caramelized edges that enhance the overall flavor profile.

  • Flavor Infusion

Create a dynamic sauce by whisking together zesty seasonings. Combine tangy soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, aromatic sesame oil, minced ginger, and crushed garlic to build a complex flavor foundation.

  • Combining Elements

Introduce steamed broccoli into the beef-filled skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy coating that embraces every morsel.

  • Serving Suggestion

Transfer the sizzling stir-fry to a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh green onion slivers for a burst of color and a subtle, peppery kick that elevates the entire dish.

Add-Ins and Sauce Ideas to Keep It Interesting

  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal without losing flavor. This substitution works perfectly for anyone watching fat intake or wanting a lighter protein option.
  • Skip the rice and serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce directly into the sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust according to personal spice preferences.
  • Expand the vegetable variety by tossing in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas during the cooking process. These additions increase nutritional value and create more interesting flavor combinations.
  • This recipe stores wonderfully in sealed containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prepare larger batches to enjoy quick, delicious meals throughout the week with minimal additional cooking time.

Ways to Serve This Dish for Dinner or Lunch Bowls

  • Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty ground beef and broccoli dish with fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Portion the beef and broccoli into meal prep containers with rice for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week that keep you full and energized.
  • Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce on top to add extra flavor and visual appeal that makes the dish pop.
  • Veggie Boost: Serve alongside a crisp Asian-inspired salad with cucumber and mandarin oranges to balance the rich meat and add a refreshing crunch to your dinner plate.

Save Leftovers for Quick Meals That Still Hit the Spot

  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers fresh by transferring to sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking, which maintain flavor and food safety for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled ground beef and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Meals will stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed meals in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original texture and taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Ground Beef and Broccoli a Go-To Meal

For Flavor Boosters:
  • Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce, creating a mouthwatering base that makes the dish sing.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami punch and helps tenderize the meat while adding complex flavor layers.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness that balances the salty elements and creates a glossy sauce finish.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, toasted undertone that elevates the entire dish with its distinctive aroma.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Delivers a sharp, pungent kick that forms the flavor foundation of the dish.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the beef and brightens the overall taste profile.
For Sauce Binders:
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a magical thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a silky, clingy sauce.
For Serving Companions:
  • Rice: Creates a perfect canvas to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Green Onions: Offers a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a bright, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
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Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet delights home cooks with a quick, nutritious meal packed with protein and greens. Savory beef mingles with tender broccoli, creating a satisfying dinner you can prepare in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ground beef
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • rice for serving
  • sliced green onions for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepping Produce: Steam broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until crisp and vibrant green, then set aside on a separate plate.
  2. Searing Protein: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat into crumbly texture and releasing rich flavors until fully cooked.
  3. Aromatics Enhancement: Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, introducing minced garlic and allowing its fragrant essence to infuse with the beef mixture.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
  5. Culinary Fusion: Fold steamed broccoli into the beef mixture, then pour prepared sauce over ingredients, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and glazes the dish with a glossy, appetizing sheen.
  6. Plating Finale: Serve the beef and broccoli atop warm rice, garnishing with finely chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Steam Broccoli Perfectly: Cook florets exactly 4-5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color, preventing mushiness or overcooking.
  • Brown Beef Thoroughly: Ensure ground beef develops deep, caramelized flavors by cooking at medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles for even browning.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk cornstarch carefully to prevent lumps, allowing sauce to thicken smoothly and coat ingredients with glossy, rich texture.
  • Timing Is Critical: Add garlic and sauce at precise moments to prevent burning and maximize flavor intensity, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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