Ground Beef and Broccoli
Published on March 02, 2026
Quick Summary
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, EASY weeknight meal that your whole family will love! Packed with savory flavor, tender broccoli, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it on the dinner table in just under 30 minutes!
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Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli for Busy Weeknights
Because my classic beef and broccoli with steak is so popular, I decided to create a ground beef version that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's more affordable, uses basic ingredients most people already have on hand, and is just as flavorful. My boys LOVE this dish, and I love how EASY it is to make after a long day.
I like to start by browning the ground beef while I prep the broccoli. The smell alone is enough to get my kids hovering in the kitchen, ready for dinner. The sauce comes together in minutes, a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, honey, rice wine vinegar, and beef broth that clings to every bite of beef and broccoli. With a touch of ginger, sesame oil, and a hint of crushed red pepper, it's perfectly balanced: rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
This dish is perfect to serve over rice or noodles, and it works beautifully for leftovers, too. You can even double the recipe and have meals ready for the week!
If you're a fan of classic beef and broccoli, give this one a try tonight. I promise, your family will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce or tamari: Use low-sodium for more control over saltiness.
- Beef broth: Adds extra savory depth. Water can work if you don't have broth.
- Garlic: Fresh is best for punchy flavor.
- Honey: Balances the savory and tangy notes of the sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sesame oil: Just a little adds a nutty finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a mild kick.
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- Broccoli florets: Cut into small bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Water: Steams broccoli quickly while keeping it crisp-tender.
- Oil: Avocado or olive oil works well for browning the beef.
- Ground beef: 85% lean gives good flavor without too much fat.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Rice or noodles: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep ingredients first – Have the broccoli cut, garlic minced, and sauce whisked before you start cooking. Stir-fry comes together fast, and this prevents overcooking.
- Use a large skillet or wok – Gives enough space for the beef and broccoli to cook evenly without steaming in their own juices.
- Brown the beef in batches if needed – Crowding the pan can cause the meat to steam instead of brown, which reduces flavor.
- Don't overcook the broccoli – Aim for bright green and crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Thicken the sauce gradually – If the sauce isn't thick enough, let it simmer for another minute; it will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
- Taste and adjust – Everyone's preferences differ; add more soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Add extras if you like – Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can easily be added for variety.
- Make it ahead – Cook the beef and sauce in advance, then quickly steam the broccoli and combine when ready to serve.
- Garnish for flavor and texture – Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add freshness, crunch, and visual appeal.
How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Sauce may thicken in the fridge; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 3 tablespoons beef broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
For the beef and broccoli:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, honey, vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Place the broccoli florets and water in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid and steam until the broccoli is bright green and just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the broccoli florets to a plate.
- Using the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink and nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. When it's done cooking, drain off excess fat, if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and cook for another few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the meat. Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if using. Serve with rice or noodles, if desired.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli first keeps it crisp-tender and bright green.
- Ground beef makes this recipe quick, budget-friendly, and great for weeknights.
- Adjust the sauce to taste, add more honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve over rice or noodles to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Make ahead: the sauce and cooked beef can be prepared in advance; just combine with steamed broccoli when ready to serve.
- Storage: keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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