Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
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This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, skillet dinner inspired by classic beef-and-broccoli flavors-made weeknight-friendly with ground beef instead of steak. It's savory, lightly sauced, and on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something satisfying.
If you love one pot meals, try this reader favorite One Pot Pasta with ground beef and vegetables too!
Recipe Overview
- Method: Skillet
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
- Why You'll Love It: Simple ingredients, flexible vegetables, and big flavor without a long ingredient list
Why I Love Skillet Dinner
- Uses everyday ingredients I almost always have on hand
- Cooks quickly in one skillet-ideal for busy weeknights
- Flexible and forgiving: swap vegetables or adjust the heat to suit your taste
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry dish simmered in a rich brown sauce and is often a favorite takeout meal. This Chinese takeout recipes post has 7 more ideas you may want to try!
And while letting someone else do the cooking for you on busy evenings, this recipe is an EASY one to make at home with simple ingredients... filled with veggies... and one the family will love.
It's also a little easier on the budget as we're using ground beef! If you love quick and light ground beef recipes, these Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are a favorite at our house!
For more quick Asian inspired meals, try these Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles or this quick and easy Lo Mein recipe.
Ingredients
You'll need just a handful of everyday ingredients for this easy ground beef and broccoli. The sauce is whisked together in one bowl, then everything cooks quickly in a single skillet.
- Lean ground beef - A quick-cooking protein that keeps this dish weeknight-friendly.
- Broccoli florets - Fresh broccoli adds color and a crisp-tender bite.
- Red bell pepper - Slightly sweet and colorful; it softens beautifully in the skillet.
- Cooking oil - Just enough to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables.
- Beef broth - Forms the base of the savory sauce.
- Soy sauce - Adds classic umami flavor (I use reduced-sodium).
- Garlic - Freshly minced or pressed for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar or honey - Just a touch to balance the savory sauce.
- Ground or fresh ginger - Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Toasted sesame oil - A small amount goes a long way for aroma and flavor.
- Rice wine vinegar - Brightens and balances the sauce.
- Cornstarch + water - Thickens the sauce so it lightly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Optional: Sriracha - For a little heat, if you like.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
This recipe comes together quickly once everything is prepped. The broccoli cooks first until just tender, followed by the ground beef. Everything finishes in the skillet with the sauce until glossy and lightly thickened.
Begin by whisking the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and cooking the rice according to package instructions. Then, here's how I finish the dish.
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, toss to coat.
- Step 2: Cook until slightly softened and bright green. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove accumulated grease or fat from the skillet, add the bell pepper, and saute for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch and water in a lidded jar or whisk together. When the sauce is bubbling, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer until the desired thickness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Change the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef.
- Swap the vegetables: Snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms are easy additions.
- Add heat: Stir in extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili crisp.
- Make it low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as-is in a bowl.
Serving Ideas
This ground beef and broccoli is delicious served:
- Over steamed jasmine or brown rice
- With rice noodles or lo mein
- Spoon over quinoa for a hearty bowl-style meal
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Add it straight from the freezer and cook just until heated through. Keep in mind it will be softer than fresh broccoli.
You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance. Cook just before serving for the best texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
More Recipes to Try
- Easy Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
- So Simple Stir Fry
- Ginger Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy Lo Mein
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Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Cooking Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha Optional for added heat
Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons water
Beef and Broccoli
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
For Serving (Optional)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 green onions sliced thinly
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Whisk together cooking sauce ingredients and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, toss to coat, and cook until slightlhy softened and bright green. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook over medium high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove accumulated grease or fat from the skillet, add the bell pepper, and saute for 1 minute.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch and water in a lidded jar or whisk together. When the sauce is bubbling, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer until desired thickness.
- Stir the broccoli into the skillet and heat through before serving with cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Rice: Use your favorite rice and follow the package instructions. For, here is my favorite method to cooking light and fluffy white long grain rice: Rinse 2 cups of rice in cold water to remove added starch. Add to a saucepan, season with salt and pepper. Then add 2 ½ cups of cold water to the pan and cover. Bring to a boil over high, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, not lifting the lid. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Ground Meat: While I'm using the classic ground beef, you can also substitute ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Vegetables: It's easy to substitute vegetables for ones you have on hand, like cabbage, Swiss chard, bok choy, carrots, cauliflower, and more.
- Frozen Broccoli: This is an easy substitution if you don't have fresh. It's best to thaw the broccoli, and then pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Easy to make and Delicious to eat!!! My family love it! :0)
Hi Gina! Thank you for trying the pasta! I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed it!
This recipe always comes to mind when we crave takeout with delicious Asian-inspired flavors. It’s easy and tastes exactly like my favorite restaurant! Packed with veggies and savory sauces, this is an EASY idea for weeknight dinners!
This recipe always comes to mind when we crave takeout with delicious Asian-inspired flavors. It's easy and tastes exactly like my favorite restaurant! Packed with veggies and savory sauces, this is an EASY idea for weeknight dinners!