This Ground Beef and Broccoli is one of the easiest dinners you can throw together on a busy night. It has all the flavors of classic beef and broccoli but made even simpler with ground beef. Everything cooks in one pan with a savory garlic ginger sauce that tastes better than takeout.
Serve it over rice for an easy family dinner that comes together fast and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy dinner
- Made in one pan
- Budget friendly
- Better than takeout
- Full of flavor
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef & Broccoli
- Olive oil
- Broccoli florets
- Lean ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Green onion
For the Sauce
- Beef broth
- Low sodium soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Cornstarch
How To Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Make the sauce
Whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli
Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok and cook the broccoli until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the pan.
Step 3: Brown the beef
Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften.
Step 4: Add the sauce
Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve
Top with green onion and serve warm over rice if desired.
Tips For The Best Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Don’t overcook the broccoli — it should still have a little bite.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
- Whisk the sauce again before pouring it in since the cornstarch settles.
- Serve over jasmine rice for the best texture.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you like spice.
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Return the broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Garnish with green onion and serve warm over rice if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if preferred.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Best served over white rice or jasmine rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture first.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken work great too.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The red pepper flakes are optional and can easily be adjusted.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe reheats really well and is great for meal prep.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze cooled Ground Beef and Broccoli in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Loaded Italian Pasta Salad
- Cherry Tomato Feta Pasta
- Crispy Baked Potatoes & Chicken
- Creamy Tomato & Sausage Pasta
- Chili Baked Potato Bowls
Love that it’s healthy and delicious!