Tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day, only to be left with a sink full of dishes? I’ve been there too! That’s why this Best Ground Beef and Broccoli one-skillet meal has become my family’s go-to dinner solution. This flavor-packed dish delivers all the savory goodness of traditional beef and broccoli but with a genius hack: using ground beef instead of steak cuts for faster cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. When I first developed this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, it was during a particularly hectic week when my kids had after-school activities every night. I needed something nutritious that could be on the table in under 30 minutes, and this recipe absolutely delivered. Now it’s in our regular rotation, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you!
In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the best ground beef, prep shortcuts that save precious minutes, foolproof cooking instructions, and creative ways to customize this versatile dish for your family’s tastes. Let’s transform your weeknight dinner routine with this game-changing one-skillet wonder!
Why This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Works
- Uses affordable ground beef instead of expensive steak cuts
- Cooks in one skillet for minimal cleanup
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
- Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
- Freezes beautifully for meal prep
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Versatile base that works with countless variations
Choosing the Right Ground Beef for Broccoli Stir-Fry
Best Ground Beef Options for This Recipe
When making Ground Beef and Broccoli, the fat content of your ground beef matters. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat) for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This lean-to-fat ratio provides enough fat to keep the meat juicy while still being relatively healthy.
If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works well too, but you might need to add a touch more oil to prevent dryness. Avoid using very lean ground beef (93/7 or leaner) as it can become tough and crumbly in stir-fries.
Buying Tips
- Look for ground beef with a bright red color and minimal liquid in the package
- Purchase from a butcher who grinds meat fresh daily when possible
- For the best flavor, choose grass-fed ground beef if your budget allows
- Buy in bulk and freeze portions for easy meal prep
Substitutions
If you’re not a beef fan, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can swap in:
- Ground turkey or chicken (add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil for moisture)
- Ground bison for a leaner option with similar flavor
- Plant-based ground meat alternatives work surprisingly well in this recipe
Ingredients & Prep for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef Prep Essentials
Before cooking your Ground Beef and Broccoli, take a moment to properly prepare your ingredients:
- Remove ground beef from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off
- Break up any large clumps of meat before adding to the pan
- Pat broccoli dry after washing to ensure proper caramelization
Sauce Ingredients
The secret to amazing Ground Beef and Broccoli is in the sauce! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
Pantry Staples
These additional ingredients bring the dish together:
- Fresh garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, grated)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cooking oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Looking for more quick and satisfying meals? Check out my Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup for another easy dinner option!
Step-by-Step Ground Beef and Broccoli Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Ground Beef Prep
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets (about 1-1.5 inches each)
- Mince garlic and grate ginger
- Slice green onions, separating white and green parts
Ground Beef Cooking Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add ground beef to hot skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon
- Cook beef until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and white parts of green onions
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add broccoli florets and stir to combine
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam for 3 minutes
Sauce Addition and Final Cooking
- Give sauce mixture a quick stir (cornstarch may have settled)
- Pour sauce over beef and broccoli
- Stir continuously as sauce thickens, about 2 minutes
- Once sauce coats everything evenly and has thickened, remove from heat
Resting and Serving Your Ground Beef and Broccoli
Let the dish sit in the pan for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Garnish with green parts of sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
If you love easy protein-packed meals, you might also enjoy my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for another quick dinner option!
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
Avoiding Tough Ground Beef
- Don’t overcook the ground beef – remove from heat when it just loses its pink color
- Break the meat into small, even pieces for consistent cooking
- Use medium-high heat rather than high heat to prevent the meat from becoming tough
- Add sauce when the beef is still slightly moist for maximum flavor absorption
Tool Recommendations
- A 12-inch cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan works best for even heating
- A flat-edged wooden spatula helps break up ground beef effectively
- Measuring spoons and cups ensure sauce proportions are correct
- A microplane grater makes quick work of fresh ginger
For more kitchen wisdom, check out my No-Peek Chicken Casserole recipe, which uses similar time-saving techniques!
Storage & Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- For best results when reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and warm in a covered skillet
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Find my latest creations on Pinterest where I share weekly meal planning ideas perfect for busy families!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Flavor Variations
Spicy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce
- Include thinly sliced fresh jalapeños with the garlic and ginger
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before serving
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for complex heat
Low-Carb/Keto Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Substitute brown sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- Double the broccoli for extra fiber without added carbs
- Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice
- Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra healthy fats
If you’re focused on healthy eating, my Moist Turkey Meatloaf offers another nutritious option with plenty of flavor!
Global Ground Beef and Broccoli Flavors
| Cuisine | Key Ingredients to Add | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Thai | 1 tbsp fish sauce + 1 tbsp lime juice | Serve with lime wedges and Thai basil |
| Mediterranean | 1 tsp oregano + feta cheese | Serve with a side of tzatziki |
| Mexican | 1 tbsp taco seasoning + cilantro | Serve with corn tortillas as a filling |
| Indian | 1 tsp garam masala + 1/2 tsp turmeric | Serve with naan bread |
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli
- White or brown rice for a traditional pairing
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Quinoa for added protein
- Rice noodles or egg noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish
- Tucked into lettuce cups for a light meal
- Stuffed into bell peppers and baked until tender
- Over a baked potato or sweet potato for a hearty variation
For a complete Asian-inspired meal, consider adding my Japanese Egg Sandwich to your menu planning!
Ground Beef and Broccoli FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe?
Yes, but there’s a trick! Don’t thaw the frozen broccoli first. Add it frozen to the skillet after the beef is cooked, then cover and steam for 4-5 minutes instead of 3. This prevents the broccoli from becoming mushy.
How can I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe even faster?
Use pre-minced garlic and ginger from the grocery store, and buy pre-cut broccoli florets. You can also batch-cook ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before making this recipe.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What went wrong?
Make sure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in the liquid before adding it to the skillet. If the sauce still isn’t thickening, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the skillet, stirring continuously until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables to this Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots all work beautifully in this recipe. Add firmer vegetables like carrots earlier in the cooking process, and quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas toward the end.
For another wild protein option that will expand your cooking skills, check out my Smoked Pheasant Breast recipe!
Conclusion
This Best Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe proves that incredible meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or expensive ingredients. By using ground beef instead of steak and streamlining the cooking process into one skillet, you’ve got a versatile recipe that can adapt to your family’s tastes and your busy schedule.
I love seeing how recipes come to life in your kitchen! Tag me on social media with your Ground Beef and Broccoli creations, or leave a comment below sharing your favorite variation. Did you try a different protein? Add a special ingredient? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!
Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Sometimes the simplest recipes become our most treasured family favorites. Here’s to more joyful, stress-free cooking!