1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe transforms the classic Chinese takeout dish into a budget-friendly weeknight meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Instead of traditional sliced steak, we use ground beef, making it both more affordable and quicker to cook. The dish starts with perfectly steamed broccoli florets that keep their crisp-tender bite. Then comes the ground beef, cooked with onions until nicely browned. The magic happens when we add our homemade sauce - a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, thickened with cornstarch to create that perfect glaze that coats every bite. Fresh ginger and garlic add authentic Asian flavors that make this dish taste just like your favorite takeout. Served over a bed of steaming rice, it's a complete meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:07:39 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli pin it
Ground Beef and Broccoli | myhomemaderecipe.com

A comforting bowl of Ground Beef and Broccoli brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen with a budget-friendly twist. This clever adaptation replaces traditional sliced beef with ground meat, creating a quick-cooking dish that captures all the savory-sweet flavors you love while being gentler on your wallet.

I discovered this variation during a particularly busy month when I needed quick, satisfying meals. The way the sauce clings to both the meat and broccoli creates perfect bites every time.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

  • Ground Beef: 85/15 blend provides ideal flavor and texture
  • Fresh Broccoli: Look for tight, dark green florets
  • Soy Sauce: Choose naturally brewed for best flavor
  • Fresh Ginger: Younger ginger has thinner skin and better flavor
  • Sesame Oil: Dark, toasted variety adds authentic depth

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect Your Sauce
Whisk sauce ingredients until cornstarch dissolves completely. Let ginger and garlic infuse for a few minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness before adding to pan. Keep sauce moving in pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Master the Beef
Break meat into small, uniform pieces while cooking. Allow edges to brown for extra flavor. Drain excess fat if desired. Season gradually throughout cooking.
Step 3: Prepare Your Broccoli
Cut florets to similar sizes for even cooking. Steam until bright green but still crisp. Shock in cold water to maintain color. Dry thoroughly before adding to pan.
Step 4: Build Your Flavors
Brown meat before adding sauce. Let sauce reduce to desired thickness. Add broccoli in stages to prevent overcooking. Stir frequently once sauce is added.
Step 5: Finish with Style
Check seasoning before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds. Add fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe pin it
Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

My children, who typically avoid broccoli, clean their plates when I serve this dish. The way the sauce coats every bite makes the vegetables disappear like magic.

The Sauce Science

The balance of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar creates the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy. Each element plays a crucial role in the final flavor.

Understanding Heat Control

Maintaining the right temperature ensures the sauce thickens without becoming gummy and the broccoli stays crisp-tender.

Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe pin it
Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

After making this dish countless times, I've found that success lies in the timing - getting each component just right before combining them creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the broccoli first and reduce the steaming time since frozen broccoli is partially cooked. Skip the water and just warm it through in the pan.
→ How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and you can reduce or omit the honey in the sauce to lower the carb content.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm when ready to serve.
→ What's the best type of ground beef to use?
An 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works best - it provides enough fat for flavor while not being too greasy.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times to ensure each vegetable is cooked to the right tenderness.

Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe

A quick and budget-friendly twist on classic beef and broccoli using ground beef instead of steak, ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the sauce

01 ¼ cup soy sauce
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
04 1 tablespoon cornstarch
05 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced
06 1 garlic clove, minced
07 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Main ingredients

08 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
09 2 tablespoons water
10 1 tablespoon avocado oil
11 1 pound ground beef
12 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ For serving

13 Cooked rice

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, minced ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.

Step 02

Add broccoli florets and water to a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover with a tight lid and steam for 5 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a plate using a slotted spoon. Wipe the skillet clean.

Step 03

Heat avocado oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for about 7 minutes until beef is mostly browned.

Step 04

Pour the sauce over the beef and cook until it thickens and coats the meat. Add the broccoli back to the pan and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 05

Serve hot over rice if desired.

Notes

  1. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
  2. Reheat leftovers in a nonstick skillet over low heat or in the microwave
  3. This is a budget-friendly version of traditional beef and broccoli using ground beef instead of steak

Tools You'll Need

  • Large non-stick skillet with tight-fitting lid
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 29 g