If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious weeknight dinner, look no further than this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful meal with tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce that perfectly coats each bite. This recipe is simple, family-friendly, and budget-friendly, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup and more convenience.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Main Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt & white pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Sauce
Before you start cooking, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small covered container and shake well to dissolve. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tbsp and add more if needed), garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper. Add it to the skillet with diced onions and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and sauté for another 1 minute to keep its crunch.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
Give the cornstarch mixture another shake, then slowly stir it into the sauce. Allow it to bubble and thicken to your desired consistency.
5. Add Broccoli Back & Serve
Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked broccoli back into the pan. Stir everything together and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately over warm rice and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen broccoli works too. Just thaw, pat dry, and add as directed.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables – they should be tender but still have a bite.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar and honey.
- Want a spicier kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or crunchy chow mein noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice – A classic pairing to soak up the sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative.
- Quinoa or Noodles – For added variety.
- Side of Egg Rolls or Dumplings – To complete the meal with an Asian-inspired touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low-medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
How to Make the Perfect Rice for This Recipe
For flavorful, fluffy rice to serve with your Ground Beef and Broccoli, try this method:
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil (for extra flavor, add 2 chicken bouillon cubes).
- Add 1 cup of white long grain rice and let the liquid come back to a boil.
- Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
This method yields 3 cups of perfectly cooked rice with a rich, savory flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1138mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 21g
- Vitamin C: 102mg
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful, easy, and wholesome meal that your family will love. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious stir-fry in 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and sauce, all served over a warm bowl of rice.
Give this easy stir-fry recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love quick and delicious meals.
Looking for more? Try these next:
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Noodles
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
- Teriyaki Ground Turkey and Broccoli