My ground beef and broccoli skillet has become one of those magical weeknight recipes that I find myself turning to again and again. Tender ground beef, crisp broccoli florets, and colorful bell peppers all wrapped in a savory-sweet sauce that takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor that keeps my family coming back for seconds.
When I was growing up, my grandmother would make a similar dish on busy weeknights when time was tight but she still wanted us to have something nourishing and delicious. She taught me that with just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, you could create something that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, making it my own while keeping that same comforting essence.
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is perfect for busy families looking for quick, nutritious dinner options. It’s ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, works beautifully as meal prep for the week ahead, and the leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day. My secret? Don’t overcook the broccoli – keeping it slightly crisp gives the dish a wonderful texture that contrasts beautifully with the seasoned beef.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This dish centers around lean ground beef for protein and fresh broccoli florets that add wonderful texture and nutrition. The sauce brings everything together with the perfect balance of savory soy sauce, a hint of brown sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. I always recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of your ground beef and broccoli. All the exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make ground beef and broccoli
This ground beef and broccoli comes together in one skillet, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. You’ll start by whisking together a simple sauce, then brown the ground beef, add vegetables, and finish by combining everything with the sauce until perfectly thickened and glossy. If you love this easy preparation method, you might also enjoy my French Dip Sliders which use similar simple techniques for maximum flavor.
Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil until well combined and the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and increase heat to high.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. If needed, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cover for 1 minute to help steam the broccoli.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the red pepper flakes if using.
- Give the sauce a quick stir (the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over the beef and vegetables.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coats everything nicely.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This ground beef and broccoli
When making ground beef and broccoli, a few small techniques can make a big difference in the final result. Here are my favorite ways to elevate this simple dish:
My Secret Trick: I always make sure my skillet is very hot before adding the ground beef. This ensures proper browning and creates those delicious caramelized bits that add incredible flavor to the final dish.
Break the ground beef into small, even crumbles as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and allows each bite to soak up more of that delicious sauce.
For the brightest broccoli color and perfect texture, I blanch the florets for just 60 seconds in boiling water before adding them to the stir-fry. This pre-cooking step ensures they’ll be tender-crisp in the final dish.
When adding the sauce mixture to the skillet, pour it around the sides rather than directly on top of the ingredients. This helps the sauce heat evenly and thicken properly for that restaurant-quality finish.
Fun Variations for ground beef and broccoli
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it perfect for adapting to what you have on hand or to suit different taste preferences.
Vegetable Swap Options
Don’t have broccoli? Try cauliflower florets, green beans, or asparagus pieces instead. My daughter loves when I add snow peas or sugar snap peas for extra crunch and sweetness.
Protein Alternatives
While this dish is traditionally made with ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. My Turkey Meatballs fans particularly enjoy the ground turkey version of this stir-fry.
Flavor Boosters
For those who enjoy more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to your ground beef and broccoli right before serving. My husband always requests a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions on top.
Make It Gluten-Free
Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and verify your beef broth is gluten-free. This simple change makes the dish accessible for friends with dietary restrictions without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor.
What to Serve With ground beef and broccoli
This versatile ground beef and broccoli dish pairs beautifully with several sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:
Steamed rice is the classic option – the fluffy grains soak up that delicious sauce perfectly. For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works wonderfully too.
For a more substantial meal, I love serving this alongside some simple vegetable egg rolls or crispy wontons. The contrasting textures make for an exciting dinner that feels like takeout but tastes so much better.
If you’re craving something with a bit more spice, this dish pairs beautifully with my Chinese Beef and Broccoli for an Asian-inspired feast that’s sure to impress.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a cool, crisp contrast to the hot stir-fry and rounds out the meal beautifully.
How to Store ground beef and broccoli
Refrigerator Storage
This ground beef and broccoli keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I always store it in airtight containers once it’s completely cooled. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the freshly made dish!
Freezer Options
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. I recommend slightly undercooking the broccoli if you plan to freeze it, as this prevents it from becoming too soft when reheated.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your ground beef and broccoli, a quick stir-fry in a hot pan is my preferred method – it only takes about 3-4 minutes and helps maintain the vegetables’ texture. For a quicker option, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. I often add a small splash of water or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
This ground beef and broccoli skillet offers an impressive nutritional profile that combines protein from the lean ground beef with the fiber, vitamins C and K from broccoli. The colorful bell peppers add additional vitamin C, while the minimal oil keeps the dish relatively low in calories compared to traditional takeout versions. I love that this ground beef and broccoli recipe delivers a satisfying meal that nourishes the body while delighting the taste buds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this ground beef and broccoli recipe. No need to thaw it first – just add it directly to the skillet and cook until heated through, which usually takes 1-2 minutes longer than fresh.
How can I make this ground beef and broccoli spicier?
For extra heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also serve with sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil on top.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! This ground beef and broccoli is perfect for meal prep. It stores beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and the flavors continue to develop, making leftovers delicious.
What’s the best beef to use for ground beef and broccoli?
I recommend using 90% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture without excess fat. If you use a fattier blend, consider draining some of the fat after browning to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Conclusion
This ground beef and broccoli skillet has become one of my family’s most-requested weeknight meals, and I hope it will become a favorite in your home too. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving those classic Asian flavors but want something homemade, healthier, and ready in minutes.