Ground Beef and Broccoli That Will Wow You

When life gets busy, I always turn to my go-to ground beef and broccoli recipe. It’s the ultimate quick dinner fix – ready in under 30 minutes but packed with flavor and nutrition. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it never fails to impress. The combination of juicy ground beef and tender-crisp broccoli is a match made in dinner heaven. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation too!

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This dish has saved my weeknight dinners more times than I can count. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Fast & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes when you’re starving
• Nutritious balance – Packed with protein and veggies in every bite
• Endlessly adaptable – Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge
• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love this flavorful combo
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients you probably have already

Seriously – what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe keeps it simple with just a handful of ingredients – most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef – I like 90/10 for less grease, but 80/20 works too if you prefer more flavor
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh is my go-to, but frozen works in a pinch (no need to thaw!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp here – garlic is the flavor hero
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Use tamari if you need gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Or any neutral oil you have on hand
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – Pro tip: keep ginger root in your freezer and grate it frozen
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked is best for maximum flavor
• 1/4 tsp salt – Adjust to taste, especially if your soy sauce is on the salty side

That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get cooking.

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How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe moves fast once you start, so I always prep everything before turning on the stove. That way, you won’t be scrambling when things start sizzling. Here’s how we’ll do it:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

First, grab your favorite large skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and heat it over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil – just enough to coat the bottom. When the oil shimmers, in goes the ground beef! Break it up with your wooden spoon as it cooks – I like to get nice, small crumbles.

Now here’s the important part: don’t stir too much! Let it get some good browning for that deep flavor (about 5-6 minutes total). If you’re using 80/20 beef, you might want to drain some fat after browning – but I usually just tilt my pan and spoon out the excess, leaving about a teaspoon for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli

Time for the flavor boosters! Push the beef to one side of the pan and add your garlic and ginger to the empty space. Oh man, the smell at this point is incredible! Give them just 30 seconds to become fragrant – any longer and they might burn.

Now toss in those beautiful broccoli florets. The key here is speed – we want them crisp-tender, not mushy. Stir everything together well and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn that gorgeous bright green color but still have a slight crunch when you bite one (yes, I totally taste-test as I go!).

Step 3: Season and Finish

Almost done! Drizzle in the soy sauce – it’ll sizzle and smell amazing as it hits the hot pan. Sprinkle your salt and pepper too. Give everything a good toss to coat evenly, then let it cook together for just another 1-2 minutes. This is when all the flavors really come together!

My trick? Taste and adjust right at the end – maybe it needs another splash of soy sauce or pinch of pepper. Trust your tastebuds! When it’s perfectly balanced, take it off the heat and serve immediately while it’s piping hot.

Love the combo of savory beef and crisp veggies? Try this irresistible Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe for a sweet and savory twist that’s ready in minutes.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to restaurant-quality. Here are my top tips for ground beef and broccoli perfection:

• Cut broccoli evenly – Keep florets about the same size (bite-sized pieces work best) so they cook at the same rate. Nobody wants some mushy bits and some crunchy ones!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – If your skillet is packed, the beef steams instead of browns. Use a large pan or cook in batches if needed.
• Boost the sauce – Double the flavor by adding 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin with the soy sauce – it adds amazing depth!
• Finish with sesame oil – Just a drizzle (about 1/2 teaspoon) at the end makes all the difference in aroma and taste.
• Let it rest – I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it sit for 2 minutes off heat helps the flavors marry beautifully.

One last pro tip – if your broccoli is looking a little sad, give it a quick 30-second blanch in boiling water before adding to the pan. This wakes up the color and ensures perfect texture every time!

Ground Beef and Broccoli Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up based on what you’re craving or what’s hanging out in your fridge. Here are some of my go-to variations:

• Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you want something leaner. For vegetarian nights, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh makes a great substitute – just press it well first!
• Veggie boost: Throw in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms when you add the broccoli – they cook at about the same rate and add great texture.
• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste or sriracha with the soy sauce if you like heat. My husband always begs me to add extra!
• Nutty crunch: Toast some sliced almonds or cashews and sprinkle on top before serving – it adds the best satisfying crunch.
• Sauce variations: Swap half the soy sauce for teriyaki or add a splash of fish sauce for umami depth (trust me on this one!).

The possibilities are endless – that’s why this dish never gets old in my kitchen!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Now that your ground beef and broccoli is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up! This dish is super versatile – you can keep it simple or jazz it up depending on your mood. Here are my favorite ways to make it a complete meal:

• Classic rice pairing: Steamed white or brown rice is my go-to – it soaks up all that delicious sauce perfectly. For a quicker option, microwaveable rice packets work in a pinch.
• Cauliflower rice: If you’re keeping things low-carb, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute. I like to sauté mine with a little garlic and sesame oil for extra flavor.
• Quinoa or noodles: Swap rice for quinoa for a protein boost, or toss it with cooked rice noodles for a fun twist.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds color and crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
• Side salad: A simple cucumber salad or Asian-inspired slaw makes a refreshing complement to the savory flavors.

Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong – this dish is so flavorful, it shines no matter how you serve it. Just don’t forget to dig in while it’s hot!

Storing and Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

Let’s face it – sometimes you make extra, and that’s a good thing! This ground beef and broccoli actually gets better as the flavors mingle, so it’s perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:

First, let it cool completely before storing – I usually leave it on the counter for about 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though in my house, it never lasts that long!

When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave if you can. I know it’s tempting, but it can make the broccoli mushy. Instead, toss it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. This helps it steam gently and brings back that fresh-cooked texture. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through – usually about 5 minutes.

If you’re in a rush, you *can* use the microwave – just cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warm.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to freeze it, leave out the broccoli and add fresh when reheating. Frozen broccoli can get a little too soft for my taste. Just portion it out, seal it well, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, these are the good kind! One serving of this ground beef and broccoli (about 1/4 of the recipe) packs:

• 280 calories – Perfect for a satisfying but balanced meal
• 22g protein – Thanks to that lean ground beef keeping you full
• 8g carbs with 3g fiber – Mostly from the broccoli (nice little bonus!)
• 18g fat (6g saturated) – You can reduce this by using extra-lean beef
• 450mg sodium – Mostly from the soy sauce (use low-sodium if you’re watching this)

Now, here’s my disclaimer – these are estimates based on exact ingredients I use. Your numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your beef’s fat percentage or how heavy-handed you are with the soy sauce (no judgment – I’ve been there!).

The beautiful thing? This dish naturally balances protein, veggies, and flavor without any crazy numbers. It’s why I feel good serving it to my family any night of the week!

Get inspired with more quick skillet meals and family-approved recipes by following our boards on Pinterest—perfect for busy weeknights.

FAQs About Ground Beef and Broccoli

Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of questions about this recipe – and I love helping people make it their own! Here are the most common ones I hear, along with my tried-and-true answers:

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments – I’m always happy to help troubleshoot or brainstorm variations!

There you have it – my foolproof ground beef and broccoli recipe that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just craving something hearty and healthy, this dish has got you covered. The best part? It’s so versatile, you can make it your own every time. So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe tonight and share your results in the comments – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!