This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s savory, saucy, and packed with protein, all in under 30 minutes. Think of it as a quicker, cozier cousin to your favorite takeout beef and broccoli — but made at home and better for you.

The secret is in the sauce: a rich, garlicky blend of soy, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger that coats every bite of juicy beef and tender-crisp broccoli. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles and you’ve got a wholesome, family-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease without compromising juiciness. If you prefer even lighter fare, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef: The star of this dish, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Broccoli Florets: Adds color, crunch, and a healthy veggie boost.
Soy Sauce: For deep umami flavor.
Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
Garlic & Ginger: Aromatic and essential for that classic stir-fry flavor.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, adding nutty depth.
Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce perfectly.
Cooked Rice (optional): The ideal base to soak up every drop of sauce.

How To Make the Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of water. In a separate small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

Step 3: Add the Sauce to the Beef

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine, then add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

While the sauce thickens, steam or microwave broccoli florets until bright green and just tender. Be careful not to overcook — you want them to hold a little crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Serve warm over a bed of rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is best served hot over freshly steamed rice, jasmine or basmati work beautifully. If you’re cutting carbs, spoon it over cauliflower rice or wrap it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

For leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave it in short intervals or warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze this meal for up to 2 months. Just be sure to keep the rice and beef mixture separate for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just steam or microwave it according to package directions before adding it in.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to spice things up.

What other vegetables can I use?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots make tasty additions or substitutions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

What’s the best rice for serving?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its aromatic quality, but brown rice or even quinoa would work as hearty alternatives.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Comfort Food Vibes?

If you loved this easy and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli, here are more cozy dinner ideas from my kitchen you might enjoy:

Try the creamy and bold Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
Craving beef and pasta? The Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta hits the spot.
Want more of that broccoli comfort? Go for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Looking for easy skillet meals? Check out the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
Prefer seafood? The Creamy Shrimp Chowder is perfect for cooler nights.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try extra veggies? Serve it with noodles or wrap it in lettuce? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Need more quick dinner inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest where I share daily recipes ➡️ Life with Nina Recipes

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and cozy dinner made in under 30 minutes, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for weeknights. Juicy beef and tender broccoli are tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce, then served over rice or noodles for the ultimate takeout-style comfort food at home.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break it up as it cooks and drain excess grease if needed.

2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of water. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.

3. Add the sauce mixture to the cooked beef and stir well. Pour in the slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Meanwhile, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 2–3 minutes.

5. Stir the broccoli into the skillet with the beef and coat well with sauce. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups.