Ground Beef and Broccoli

4.89 from 18 votes

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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Asian-American

Keyword: ground beef and broccoli

Servings:

Calories: 292kcal

Author: Monica Lensink

Equipment

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