This ground beef and broccoli is a quick, one-pan dinner made with simple ingredients and a lightly sweetened soy-ginger sauce. It comes together fast, making it a practical option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without a long prep list.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli
🕒 Ready In: ~30 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~380 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Ground beef, broccoli florets, onion, soy sauce, honey, garlic
📖 Dietary Info: Dairy-free; gluten-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - one-pan skillet meal
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Unlike many beef and broccoli recipes that rely on slicing steak or complicated stir-fry techniques, this version uses ground beef for ease and affordability. The broccoli cooks until tender but still vibrant, and the sauce thickens right in the pan without any extra steps.
If you're looking for easy dinners like this one, you may also enjoy our Shrimp Dirty Rice, Taco Lettuce Wraps, or Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls for more fast, balanced meals during the week.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Ground Beef And Broccoli:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Ground Beef And Broccoli:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Ground Beef and Broccoli FAQs:
- More Asian Style Recipes You'll Love
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- Ground Beef and Broccoli
Why You'll Love this Ground Beef And Broccoli:
Quick one-pan dinner: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup fast and easy on busy weeknights.
Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and easy-to-find vegetables.
Balanced and satisfying: Ground beef adds richness while broccoli brings texture and freshness.
Family-friendly flavor: The lightly sweetened soy-ginger sauce is flavorful without being overpowering.
Easy to serve: Works well over rice, cauliflower rice, or on its own for a lower-carb option.
Key Ingredients:
- ground beef. Any variety will work. Just be sure to drain any excess grease after browning, if needed.
- broccoli. Use fresh florets for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw first and pat dry to prevent extra moisture in the pan.
- onion. Adds savory depth, white or yellow both work well.
- soy sauce. Use low-sodium if preferred, or substitute with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- honey. A touch of sweetness that balances the salty and savory flavors.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use a different protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or lean ground pork for a lighter option.
- Make it low carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own without rice.
- Adjust the sweetness: Reduce the honey slightly for a more savory sauce, or replace it with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred.
- Add more vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, Red Chili Sauce, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
How to Make Ground Beef And Broccoli:
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Set aside.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add the broccoli florets, stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
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Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Brown the beef fully: Let the ground beef cook until no pink remains and it starts to brown slightly, this builds flavor and prevents a greasy sauce. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cut broccoli evenly: Chopping the broccoli into similar-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and prevents some florets from becoming mushy while others stay too firm.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Add the broccoli before the sauce simmers too long so it stays tender with a bit of bite rather than soft and watery.
- Let the sauce reduce: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes helps it thicken naturally and coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Taste before serving: Soy sauce brands vary in saltiness, so taste at the end and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serving Suggestions: We love serving this dish with Veggie Spring Rolls and Japanese Clear Onion Soup for a full meal.
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ground Beef and Broccoli FAQs:
Ground beef and broccoli can become watery if the broccoli is overcooked or if excess grease isn't drained from the beef. Cooking over medium heat and allowing the sauce to reduce helps prevent excess liquid.
Yes, ground beef and broccoli can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Ground beef and broccoli is commonly served over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. It also pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a light salad.
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Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Set aside.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets, stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and steamed to your liking.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Brown the beef fully: Let the ground beef cook until no pink remains and it starts to brown slightly, this builds flavor and prevents a greasy sauce. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cut broccoli evenly: Chopping the broccoli into similar-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and prevents some florets from becoming mushy while others stay too firm.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Add the broccoli before the sauce simmers too long so it stays tender with a bit of bite rather than soft and watery.
- Let the sauce reduce: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes helps it thicken naturally and coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Taste before serving: Soy sauce brands vary in saltiness, so taste at the end and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serving Suggestions: We love serving this dish with Veggie Spring Rolls and Japanese Clear Onion Soup for a full meal.
Ava says
I love beef and broccoli and this was a much more affordable version that is just as delicious!
Kae says
A weekly favorite in our house!