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Super quick, super easy, and packed full of flavor, this ground beef and broccoli recipe uses just one pan and can be on your table in 20 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a simple yet satisfying dinner. Wonderful just as it is, or explore tried and true reader ideas for more veggies to add.
This super easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry is perfect when you don’t want to do any heavy lifting in the kitchen but don’t want to resort to takeout, either. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and only gets one pan dirty—a major win for everyone, I think we can agree.
We’re taking flavorful ground beef for a date with vibrant, tender-crisp broccoli and a delicious mix of umami-rich soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a smidge of toasted sesame oil for that little something extra. The combination is a protein-rich dinner you can whip up in no time and everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef & Broccoli
- One pan for both broccoli and beef keeps things super simple—and easy to clean
- Can be ready in about 20 minutes, from opening the fridge to assembling plates
- Quick homemade sauce so you know exactly what’s in your food
- Asian-inspired flavors vary your routine yet keep it a little sweet and kid-friendly
- Keeps and reheats well; hello, leftover lunches or desirable meal prep!
What Others Say:
“I made this recipe tonight as written, and it came together effortlessly while I was doing other things. As someone who tends to dirty too many dishes when I cook I appreciate it that this can be cooked in one pan and I liked that the measurements were included in line with instructions. Delicious!” -Danielle
“My family loves this! We like to add onion slices and grated carrots. A family favorite.” -Liz
If you’re craving similar flavors but with real sirloin tips and hands-off convenience, my sheet pan beef and broccoli recipe will hit the spot.
Ingredient Notes
Keep it Simple
Using just 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger adds a lot of flavor to the sauce with truly minimal effort. Feel free to substitute about 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger if you have it on hand and prefer. In the garlic department, I usually use jarred or bottled minced for this recipe and think it tastes great—I’m in a season of life where the less chopping required, the better!
How To Make Ground Beef & Broccoli
This comes together in no time, so the actual first step is to start any rice or noodles you want to serve with the beef, if they will take a few minutes.
Begin with a quick sauté of the broccoli in small drizzle of olive or other cooking oil. It should be crisp-tender and a deep, vibrant green. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Next, brown the ground beef and garlic together in the same pan used for the broccoli. You won’t need any extra cooking oil, and can drain or dab off excess fat, if there is a lot.
While the beef is browning, whisk together the sauce. Pour it over when the beef is nearly done. Cook for 2-3 minutes more for the sauce to thicken and flavor the beef.
Return broccoli to the pan—or leave it separate, if you prefer—toss, and serve.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Ground chicken or ground turkey can replace the beef. If using one of these leaner options, add a small extra drizzle of cooking oil to the skillet after removing the broccoli and before adding the meat.
- To bulk it up with more veggies, toss in snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, shredded carrots, or bell peppers. Any quick-cooking vegetable works.
- Add heat with a drizzle of Sriracha or Gochujang, either mixed into the sauce or drizzled on bowls for individual tastes.
- To serve, scoop over rice—white, brown, cauliflower, you name it—or any type of noodle you like. Thick, nubby udon noodles are delicious, as are thin rice noodles, etc. Sesame seeds and thinly-sliced green onions add a lovely garnish.
More Easy Asian-Inspired Dinners
- Sweet and Sticky Asian Meatballs
- Ground Beef Bowls with Edamame
- Korean Beef Bowls or Lettuce Cups
- Teriyaki Ground Beef
- Honey Teriyaki Chicken
- Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets, see note
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground sirloin
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
- sesame seeds and green onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add broccoli and cook, tossing frequently, for 3-4 minutes, until it is vibrantly green with a tender-crisp texture. Remove to a plate and set aside.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 3-4 cups broccoli florets
- Add ground beef and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until mostly browned, breaking it up into small pieces as you go. Drain or use a paper towel to soak up excess fat.1 pound lean ground beef, 2-3 cloves garlic
- While the beef browns, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, red and black pepper in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth.1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
- As soon as the beef is browned, pour in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, just until the sauce thickens slightly. Return broccoli to the pan and toss to coat. Season with salt to taste, and serve right away over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly-sliced green onions, as desired.sesame seeds and green onions
Notes
- Soy Sauce: Coco aminos work great as a substitute; I use the same amount.
- Broccoli: Chop into small, even florets so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Timing: If you’re making rice on the stovetop or Instant Pot to accompany this meal, be sure to start it first, because the beef comes together extremely quickly and you don’t want to be waiting on the rice at the end.
- Yield: Adjust as needed; with smaller kids, this recipe as originally written feeds my family of 4, but if you are serving a group of hungry teens and adults, I’d probably double it. You can just double everything with no special adjustments.
- Useful Tools (affiliate links): Angled Measuring Cup | Sauté Tool | Cast Iron Skillet
- Storage and Reheating: This keeps and reheats very well, partly because the combination of beef and that delectable sauce minimizes the tendency of leftovers to dry out. Extra portions keep very well for 3-4 days. Store in any airtight container in the fridge. (These are our favorite meal prep boxes.) Warm in the microwave or over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Add a very small splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture and minimize sticking if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks so tasty! I am going to be making this for dinner tonight but don’t have fresh broccoli. Can I use frozen instead?
Yes! I would just steam the frozen broccoli and then toss it in with the beef and sauce when it’s done. I realize it’s probably past dinnertime for you now- please let me know how it worked out!
I made this for lunch today and it is very good! Like other comments I loved having the measurements along with the directions. The flavor is great! I will make again and add other vegetables. Wonderful recipe. Thank you!!
So happy you enjoy it, Liz! Thank you for taking the time to leave this review, it means a lot to me.
I made this recipe tonight as written, and it came together effortlessly while I was doing other things. As someone who tends to dirty too many dishes when I cook I appreciate it that this can be cooked in one pan and I liked that the measurements were included in line with instructions. Delicious!
Aah, thank you Danielle, for taking the time to leave this helpful review! It means the world. I’m so glad this recipe worked well for you!
My family loves this! We like to add onion slices and grated carrots. A family favorite.
So happy it’s a hit with your family! Onion and grated carrots sound like wonderful additions. Thank you for taking the time to leave this review, it means a lot to me!
I haven’t made this meal yet, I will be in a few minutes.. but I just wanted to say how much I APPRECIATE the ingredients listed WITH instructions!! No scrolling back and forth! Thank YOU SO MUCH for that!