Ground beef and broccoli is a flavorful and quick dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or something easy to prep in advance, this dish checks all the boxes. Tender broccoli florets paired with savory ground beef in a mouthwatering sauce—it's the perfect comfort food. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this is a great recipe for beginners or seasoned cooks alike. Read on to discover how to make the perfect ground beef and broccoli!
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground beef and broccoli is a fusion-style dish inspired by traditional Asian stir-fries. It's typically made by cooking ground beef and broccoli florets in a rich, flavorful sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The dish is often served over a bed of rice, making it a complete meal that’s not only filling but also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the taste of classic take-out meals but prefers the control and quality of cooking at home. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here's a breakdown of the main ingredients you’ll need to make ground beef and broccoli:
- Peanut oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a slight nutty flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable or olive oil.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Be sure to wash and pat dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the dish.
- Ground beef (1 lb.): Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier version.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): For extra color and a slightly sweet crunch.
- Salt and white pepper (to taste): Seasoning to enhance the flavor of the beef and veggies.
Sauce Ingredients
The sauce is the heart of this recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) + cold water (2 tablespoons): This mixture will thicken the sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): A key umami component.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons, packed): Balances the savory elements with sweetness.
- Honey (1-2 tablespoons): Adds a mild, natural sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for any good stir-fry!
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Gives the sauce a warming spice.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
For Serving
- Cooked rice (3 cups): Any variety works, but jasmine or basmati rice are particularly aromatic and delicious.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:
- Protein Substitutions: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different twist. You can also use tofu or tempeh to make the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Broccoli Variations: While broccoli is a classic in this dish, feel free to use other vegetables like cauliflower, snap peas, or even baby corn.
- Low-Carb Version: To make this dish keto-friendly, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Oil Alternatives: If you don't have peanut oil, vegetable or olive oil works just as well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious ground beef and broccoli recipe at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the yellow onion, slice the red bell pepper, and wash and dry the broccoli florets. Mince the garlic, and if you're serving the dish over rice, make sure the rice is cooking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Set aside. In another bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the sauce ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the red bell pepper slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Vegetables
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir everything together.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously to ensure that the sauce thickens evenly. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and vegetables.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
- Cook onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry until bright green.
- Brown ground beef in the same pan.
- Mix sauce ingredients and pour into the skillet.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Serve over rice with optional garnishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the broccoli: You want the broccoli to stay crisp-tender, not mushy.
- Not draining the beef fat: Excess fat can make the dish greasy, so don’t skip this step.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This is crucial for thickening the sauce and giving it the right consistency.
- Using wet vegetables: Make sure the broccoli is dry before adding it to the skillet. Excess water can make the sauce watery.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making any dish look appetizing. Here are some ways to make your ground beef and broccoli dish stand out:
- Serve the dish in a shallow bowl for a more modern look.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for added flavor and texture.
- Use a bamboo steamer basket to serve the rice for a more traditional, Asian-inspired presentation.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground beef and broccoli is best served hot over a bed of rice. To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding a side dish like egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Bento Box Style: Serve the ground beef and broccoli in a compartmentalized dish alongside rice and a small salad or fruit.
- Family-Style Serving: Present the dish in a large, shallow bowl, with the rice on the side for people to serve themselves.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips
- Prep everything first: Stir-fries cook quickly, so make sure all your ingredients are ready before you start cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the meat and veggies in batches to avoid steaming them.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry before using. Frozen broccoli will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ground beef and broccoli stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Ground beef and broccoli is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, it's a recipe you'll want to keep on repeat. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or prepping it for meal planning, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!
PrintGround Beef And Broccoli Recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender beef, crisp broccoli, and red bell pepper in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It's a perfect weeknight dinner, quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Pair with cooked rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed, patted dry)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- Salt/White pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Instructions
- Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water.
- Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour sauce into the skillet, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil.
- Add chili flakes for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without rice)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
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