Juicy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Crispy, tender ground beef dances with vibrant broccoli in a mouthwatering skillet sensation that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions for hungry families.

Lean protein meets green vegetables in a harmonious blend of flavor and nutrition.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients create something spectacular.

Minimal prep time means maximum enjoyment around the dinner table.

Fragrant seasonings and perfect textures combine to make this dish irresistible.

You cannot wait to savor every delicious bite of this easy, delectable meal.

Ground Beef And Broccoli – Quick, Satisfying Weeknight Favorite

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: Grab ingredients quickly and assemble this hearty casserole with minimal prep, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal in a flash.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layers of spicy beef, black beans, and melted cheese guarantee smiles around the dinner table, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like avocado, salsa, or extra chilies to match personal tastes and dietary preferences without complicated modifications.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One baking dish means less washing up, letting you enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the post-dinner kitchen mess.

Ground Beef And Broccoli – Pantry List For Dinner Time

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein source for this dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the ground beef and broccoli.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that brings a crisp texture and nutritional boost to the recipe.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: A combination that creates a rich, savory flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a mild sweetness that complements the savory elements.

• Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.

• Red Pepper Flakes, Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crunchy finish and additional layer of flavor.

• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.

Quick Steps For Ground Beef And Broccoli Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Warm up a large pan with sesame oil and add ground beef. Cook the meat until it turns a rich, golden brown, breaking it into small crumbles as it sizzles.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Base

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes until they release their incredible fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Introduce Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the pan and cook until they begin to soften and turn a vibrant green color.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Broth
• Brown sugar

Mix these ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce into the pan and stir thoroughly to coat the beef and broccoli.

Let everything simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Add this to the pan to give the sauce a luscious, glossy texture.

Step 7: Kick Up the Heat

For those who love a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious ground beef and broccoli creation!

Simple Ways To Elevate Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option.
• Slice broccoli into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick, maintaining a smooth, glossy consistency.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor and aromatic profile.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and prevent burning or overcooking components.

New Twists For Ground Beef And Broccoli Fans

• Spicy Jalapeño Beef Boost: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh diced jalapeños for a vibrant, fresh heat kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Swap soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add oregano and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Teriyaki Fusion Option: Use teriyaki sauce instead of hoisin, add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy Hawaiian-style meal.
• Lean Green Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.

Side Dishes For Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls

• Asian Rice Bowl Delight: Spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over steamed jasmine rice, creating a colorful and satisfying meal that combines protein and vegetables in every bite.
• Family-Style Lettuce Wraps: Serve the savory mixture inside crisp lettuce leaves, allowing everyone to build their own handheld parcels with fresh, crunchy textures and bold flavors.
• Quick Noodle Stir-Fry Fusion: Toss the ground beef and broccoli with cooked lo mein or udon noodles, transforming the dish into a hearty one-pan meal that's packed with umami goodness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers with rice or cauliflower rice for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays delicious and fresh throughout the week.

Ground Beef And Broccoli – Save For Leftovers

• Store leftover ground beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the stored dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Is ground beef healthy for this recipe?

Ground beef provides protein and essential nutrients. Choose lean beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce fat content and maintain nutritional balance.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan to prevent sauce from becoming watery.

• What if I don't have hoisin sauce?

Substitute with equal parts soy sauce and barbecue sauce, or mix plum sauce with soy sauce for similar flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to avoid gluten-containing products.

Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and broccoli stir-fry blends savory protein with crisp green vegetables for a quick weeknight meal. Chinese-inspired flavors combine tender meat and fresh produce in a satisfying dinner you can prepare in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup broth (beef or chicken)
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
• 2 tbsps sesame oil (divided)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional)
• Optional: mushrooms
• Optional: carrots
• Optional: bell peppers
• Optional: chili paste
• Optional: fish sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with sesame oil, then sizzle ground beef until thoroughly browned and crumbly.
2. Introduce diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the meat, sautéing for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
3. Toss in fresh broccoli florets, allowing them to soften and become vibrant green while maintaining a slight crunch.
4. Whisk together a savory sauce combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, broth, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
5. Stream the prepared sauce into the skillet, thoroughly coating the beef and broccoli, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Create a quick cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water, then pour into the pan to instantly thicken the sauce’s consistency.
7. Enhance the dish’s heat profile by sprinkling red pepper flakes or drizzling sriracha according to personal spice preference.
8. Finish the preparation by scattering toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions across the top for a fresh, textural garnish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, ensuring it doesn’t become too gelatinous or runny.
• Maximize broccoli’s crunch by briefly blanching before adding to the pan, maintaining vibrant green color and preventing overcooking.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by chopping vegetables and mixing sauce ingredients beforehand, reducing total cooking time and kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg