Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli is the weeknight dinner that saves the day. Juicy ground beef and crisp broccoli get tossed in a savory sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and cooks up in just one pan, making cleanup painless. This dish feels like takeout but is simple enough to whip up anytime. It’s a quick win when you want big flavor with no fuss.
Why This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Is a Weeknight Win
Fast prep that doesn’t slow you down:
This recipe is built for busy nights. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, you’ll have dinner ready before the kids finish asking what’s for dinner.
Easy cleanup (just one pan, folks):
No pile of dishes waiting in the sink. Everything cooks in a single skillet or wok, which means less scrubbing and more relaxing after dinner.
Big flavor with minimal effort:
The savory sauce soy, garlic, sesame, and just a touch of brown sugar—coats the beef and broccoli in all the right ways. Every bite tastes like takeout, but it’s homemade and quicker than waiting for delivery.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli (3 Steps & Timing)
Step 1: Cook the beef (5–7 minutes)
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any extra grease so your sauce isn’t heavy later.
Step 2: Start the veggies (5–7 minutes)
Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Toss in 1 head of broccoli florets and stir-fry another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp but still bright green.
Step 3: Make the sauce (2–3 minutes)
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stir, and let it simmer until it thickens (about 1–2 minutes). Everything gets glossy and delicious. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice
- Instant noodles
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread
Easy Ground Beef And Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil For cooking the beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets For stir-frying
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain off any excess grease.
Start the Veggies
- Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Add 1 head of broccoli cut into florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture.
- Bring it to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store your Easy Ground Beef And Broccoli in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to keep the broccoli crisp.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables: Many grocery stores sell these.
- Buy rotisserie chicken instead of cooking beef.
- Utilize frozen broccoli florets for convenience.
- Look for bagged stir-fry mixes for an easy shortcut.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
- Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for more flavor.
- Add bell peppers or carrots for extra colors and nutrients.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter option and still pairs perfectly with the sauce. You can even use ground pork for a richer flavor. Just make sure to cook it through before adding the veggies and sauce.
What if the sauce is too thin?
If your sauce feels watery, let it simmer uncovered for a couple of extra minutes so it reduces. You can also mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it in. It thickens fast while keeping the flavor intact.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure your pan is big enough to hold everything without crowding. If your skillet isn’t large, cook the beef first, set it aside, and then stir everything together at the end. It reheats well, so leftovers are a bonus.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yep! Frozen broccoli works fine here. Just thaw it slightly and pat it dry before tossing it in so you don’t water down the sauce. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on prep time.
What should I serve with beef and broccoli?
Steamed rice is the classic choice, but instant noodles or even quinoa work just as well. Garlic bread on the side is a tasty twist, or go lighter with a simple salad to balance things out.
Wrap-Up: A Stir-Fry That Delivers Every Time
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to serve up something satisfying. With one skillet, a quick sauce, and everyday staples, you’ve got a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Pair it with rice or noodles, and you’re set. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite.
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