This ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a simple and flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. When you need an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers bold flavor without extra work. Juicy ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce cook together in one skillet, creating a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.

Many people look for meals that taste like takeout but are faster and more affordable to make at home. This dish gives you that familiar beef and broccoli flavor without the need to slice steak or marinate meat. Instead, you brown ground beef, add fresh broccoli, and pour in a rich sauce that thickens right in the pan. It is a true one pan beef and broccoli recipe, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup at the end of the night.

This recipe also works well for different eating styles. It can be served over brown rice or jasmine rice, but it is also perfect as a low carb beef and broccoli option when paired with cauliflower rice. Because it is high in protein and includes fresh vegetables, it easily fits into a balanced meal plan and can be considered a healthy beef and broccoli recipe for the whole family.

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WHY THIS BEEF AND BROCCOLI RECIPE STANDS OUT

Quick and easy: This ground beef and broccoli cooks in one skillet and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It is ideal for busy evenings when you need an easy weeknight dinner that does not require complicated steps.

Budget-friendly: Using ground beef instead of steak keeps the cost lower while still delivering the classic flavor of traditional beef and broccoli.

Family-friendly: The savory sauce makes the broccoli tender and flavorful, making it easier to serve vegetables in a way that everyone can enjoy.

High in protein: With about 28 grams of protein per serving, this healthy beef and broccoli recipe is filling and satisfying.

Minimal cleanup: Because it is a one pan beef and broccoli meal, there are fewer dishes to wash, which makes it even more practical for weeknights.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

You only need a few simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, to make this ground beef and broccoli.

Ground beef – Lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 93/7, works well. It cooks quickly and provides rich flavor without needing extra preparation. If you use beef with more fat, drain the extra grease after browning so the sauce stays smooth and not oily.

Yellow onion – Adds mild sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.

Garlic and ginger – These two ingredients are essential for classic stir-fry taste. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but ground versions can be used if needed.

Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli, cut into small florets, cooks until tender yet slightly crisp. Pre-cut florets can save time and make this an even easier weeknight dinner.

Soy sauce – Provides the salty, savory base for the sauce. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.

Toasted sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor that gives this dish its signature stir-fry taste.

Rice vinegar – Brings a light tang that balances the savory and sweet flavors.

Fish sauce – Adds depth and rich flavor. It can be left out if preferred.

Honey – A small amount balances the saltiness with gentle sweetness. Coconut sugar can be used as an alternative.

Arrowroot powder – Thickens the sauce so it coats the beef and broccoli evenly. Cornstarch works as well.

These simple ingredients work together to create a healthy beef and broccoli recipe that feels complete and balanced without being complicated.

HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF AND BROCCOLI

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 6–7 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns. The meat should be fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 2: While the beef is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, honey, arrowroot powder, and a small amount of water in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir. Then add the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and allow the broccoli to steam for 3–4 minutes, until it becomes bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.

Serve this one pan beef and broccoli over rice for a traditional option, or over cauliflower rice for a low carb beef and broccoli meal. Sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha can be added on top if desired.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Choose lean beef: Lean ground beef gives good flavor without too much grease. If using a higher-fat blend, drain the extra fat before adding the sauce to keep the dish balanced.

Cook broccoli carefully: For the best texture in your ground beef and broccoli, cook the broccoli just until tender-crisp. Overcooking can make it too soft.

Adjust the sauce amount: If you prefer extra sauce to mix into rice, double the sauce ingredients before adding them to the skillet. For a lighter coating, prepare it as written.

Make simple swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. Additional vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers can be added if desired.

HOW TO STORE AND MEAL PREP

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Meal prep option: Cook the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, add fresh broccoli so it stays bright and slightly crisp.

Freezer: Broccoli can become soft after freezing. For best results, freeze only the cooked beef and sauce. Add fresh broccoli when reheating for a better texture.

This ground beef and broccoli is a practical choice when you need an easy weeknight dinner that is flavorful, filling, and simple to prepare. Whether served as a low carb beef and broccoli meal or over rice, it remains a reliable and healthy beef and broccoli recipe that fits into any weekly meal plan.

Looking for more ideas? Try these other easy and tasty meals:

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Ground Beef and Broccoli

This ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a simple, flavorful meal made in one skillet. It works perfectly as an easy weeknight dinner, and it can also be served as a low carb beef and broccoli option with cauliflower rice. With lean protein and fresh vegetables, it fits well into a balanced meal plan and can be enjoyed as a healthy beef and broccoli recipe.

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Course: Dinner

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 291kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef 85/15 or 93/7
1 small yellow onion finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger if needed
6 cups small broccoli florets about one 12-ounce bag
¼ cup water
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon honey or coconut sugar
½ tablespoon arrowroot powder
Optional toppings: sesame seeds sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha

Instructions

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, honey (or coconut sugar), arrowroot powder, and water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for 3 to 4 minutes. It should turn bright green and remain slightly crisp.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef and broccoli evenly. Cook uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and lightly coat everything. If desired, increase the heat slightly at the end to let the sauce reduce a bit more.
Remove from heat and add optional toppings such as sesame seeds, green onions, or sriracha. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it on its own for a simple one pan beef and broccoli meal.

Notes

Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Make Ahead: The beef can be cooked in advance, and the sauce can be mixed ahead of time. For best texture, add fresh broccoli when reheating so it stays bright and tender.

Variations: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of beef. Extra vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can also be added.

Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to keep this healthy beef and broccoli recipe gluten-free.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition

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