Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Key Points:
- Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep work
- Uses simple pantry staples for restaurant-quality flavor
- Budget-friendly alternative to expensive takeout
- Perfectly portioned for a family of four
Why This Recipe Works
Ever stare into your fridge wondering what to make for dinner tonight? I’ve been there too. Learning how to make ground beef and broccoli changed my weeknight dinner game completely. This dish delivers big on flavor but keeps things simple with ingredients you likely have on hand right now.
How to make ground beef and broccoli? It’s easier than you think! The combination of savory ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a velvety sauce creates a meal that satisfies even picky eaters. The best part? It’s ready faster than delivery, healthier than takeout, and won’t empty your wallet.
This recipe makes four perfect portions, ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Unlike other beef recipes that require slicing meat thinly, ground beef cooks up quickly and evenly every time.
Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrient | Homemade | Restaurant Takeout |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 650 |
| Fat | 18g | 32g |
| Sodium | 620mg | 1400mg |
| Carbs | 12g | 38g |
| Protein | 28g | 32g |
| Cost per serving | $2.75 | $8.99 |
| Prep time | 35 minutes | 45 minutes (delivery) |
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce Ingredients | ||
| Low sodium beef broth | 1/2 cup | Chicken broth works too |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Low sodium preferred |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | Light or dark |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | For thickening |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon | Adds authentic flavor |
| Main Ingredients | ||
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 pound | For juicy results |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | About 1 large head |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon | Grated |
| Cooking oil | 1 tablespoon | Vegetable or canola |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
| Optional Garnishes | ||
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons | For garnish |
| Green onions | 3, sliced | For garnish |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet or wok (12-inch) | Main cooking vessel |
| Sharp chef’s knife | For cutting vegetables |
| Cutting board | For preparation |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate measurements |
| Mixing bowls (small and medium) | For sauce and ingredients |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | For stirring |
| Colander | For draining beef if needed |
| Timer | To track cooking times |
| Garlic press (optional) | For mincing garlic |
| Grater | For fresh ginger |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before You Begin (5 minutes)
- Set Up Your Space:
- Clear and clean your countertop
- Arrange all tools within easy reach
- Read through the entire recipe once
- Place a trash bowl nearby for scraps
- Measure All Ingredients:
- Set out all ingredients on counter
- Measure liquids in liquid measuring cups
- Measure dry ingredients in dry measuring cups
- Have everything ready before starting
Preparation Phase (10 minutes)
- Make The Sauce (4 minutes):
- Grab a medium bowl
- Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth
- Add 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Measure and add 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Add cornstarch slurry to sauce mixture
- Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Whisk until completely smooth
- Set aside where you won’t accidentally knock it over
- Prepare Vegetables (6 minutes):
- Rinse broccoli head under cold running water
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Cut off thick main stem
- Divide into bite-sized florets (about 1.5 inches each)
- Make sure pieces are similar size for even cooking
- Peel garlic cloves
- Mince garlic finely
- Peel ginger using edge of spoon
- Grate ginger using small holes of grater
- Place prepped items in separate bowls
Cooking Phase (20 minutes)
- Heat Your Pan (2 minutes):
- Place large skillet on burner
- Set heat to medium-high
- Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Wait until oil shimmers (about 1-2 minutes)
- To test, drop a tiny piece of beef—it should sizzle immediately
- Cook The Ground Beef (8 minutes):
- Add ground beef to hot pan
- Break up meat immediately with wooden spoon
- Continue breaking into small pieces while cooking
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Cook until no pink remains (about 7-8 minutes)
- To check doneness, cut largest pieces—they should be brown throughout
- If beef released a lot of fat, drain most of it out:
- Turn off heat momentarily
- Tilt pan carefully
- Spoon excess fat into heat-safe container
- Return pan to heat
- Add Aromatics (2 minutes):
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to cooked beef
- Stir constantly to prevent burning
- Cook for exactly 30 seconds
- Watch carefully—garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter
- Mixture should be very fragrant
- Cook The Broccoli (5 minutes):
- Add broccoli florets to pan
- Stir to combine with meat mixture
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently
- Add 2 tablespoons water to pan
- Cover with lid
- Steam for 3 minutes
- Test with fork for doneness—should still have slight resistance
- Broccoli should be bright green, not dull
- Add The Sauce (3 minutes):
- Stir sauce mixture again (cornstarch settles)
- Pour sauce slowly around perimeter of pan
- Stir constantly while adding
- Bring to gentle bubble
- Continue stirring as sauce thickens
- Sauce is ready when it coats back of spoon
- Test: Draw finger across spoon—line should hold
Finishing Touches (3 minutes)
- Make Final Adjustments:
- Carefully taste (it’s hot!)
- Add additional salt if needed (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
- Add pepper to taste
- If sauce is too thick, add beef broth 1 tablespoon at a time
- If sauce is too thin, simmer 1-2 minutes longer
- Turn off heat once perfect consistency is reached
- Serve Your Creation:
- Add optional garnishes if using:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds
- Scatter sliced green onions
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Divide into 4 equal portions
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles if desired
- Enjoy while hot!
- Add optional garnishes if using:
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sauce Too Thick? Add beef broth 1 tablespoon at a time and stir well between additions.
- Sauce Too Thin? Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, add to pan, and stir for 1 minute.
- Broccoli Too Crunchy? Cover and steam for 2-3 additional minutes with a splash more water.
- Beef Clumping? Use higher heat and break up meat continuously while it cooks. Not letting it sit untouched helps prevent clumps.
- Garlic Burning? Immediately remove pan from heat, transfer contents to a bowl if needed, clean pan, and restart with fresh garlic.
- Sauce Not Thickening? Make sure liquid is bubbling and cornstarch is fully mixed in sauce. Continue cooking while stirring constantly.
Variations & Substitutions
Protein Options
- Ground Turkey: Use 93% lean for best flavor (cook time same as beef)
- Ground Chicken: Add 1 extra tablespoon oil to prevent sticking
- Ground Pork: Reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes
- Plant-Based Ground: Follow package directions for cooking time
If you enjoy ground beef recipes, my Beef Queso Mac and Cheese is another family favorite that uses similar ingredients!
Veggie Mix-Ins
- Carrots: Add 1 cup julienned carrots with broccoli
- Bell Peppers: Add 1 sliced bell pepper during last 3 minutes
- Mushrooms: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms after broccoli has cooked 2 minutes
- Snow Peas: Add 1 cup during last 2 minutes of cooking
Sauce Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Lower Sugar: Use 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener instead of brown sugar
- Extra Savory: Add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce to sauce mixture
- Spicier: Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
- Allow dish to cool completely (30 minutes max at room temperature)
- Transfer to airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Label container with date
Freezer Instructions
- Cool completely
- Portion into freezer-safe containers
- Remove as much air as possible
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Label with date and contents
Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add 1 tablespoon water, cover loosely, heat 1-2 minutes in 30-second intervals
- Stovetop: Add to skillet with 1-2 tablespoons beef broth over medium heat, cover, and heat 5-7 minutes
- Always: Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Want another simple skillet meal? Try my Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet for a change of pace!
Safety Notes & Tips
Food Safety
- Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C)
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat
- Clean all surfaces that contacted raw meat with hot, soapy water
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
Pro Tips For Success
- Prep First: Having everything measured and ready makes cooking stress-free
- Uniform Cuts: Same-sized broccoli pieces cook evenly
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a pan large enough so ingredients can brown, not steam
- Room Temperature Meat: Take beef out of fridge 15 minutes before cooking
- Sauce Secret: Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot pan
- Add Aromatics Last: Garlic and ginger burn easily—30 seconds is plenty!
