Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re searching for a hearty, healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the answer. Tender broccoli, savory ground beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, slightly sweet sauce make this stir-fry a favorite for families and busy home cooks alike.

Perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or even quinoa, this one-pan meal is both comforting and nutrient-rich. With simple ingredients and a foolproof sauce, it’s a dish you can rely on when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-pan convenience: Easy cleanup while maximizing flavor.
• Balanced nutrition: Lean protein, vegetables, and complex carbs all in one dish.
• Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap beef for turkey or chicken, add extra veggies, or adjust sweetness and saltiness.
• Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful sauce: A savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, soy, and honey.
• Tender-crisp vegetables: Broccoli and bell peppers stay vibrant and slightly crunchy.
• Protein-rich: 32 grams of protein per serving keeps you full and satisfied.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
• Adaptable to dietary needs: Can be made lower-sodium, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
• Kid-approved: Sweetness from honey balances savory notes for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients Breakdown

Vegetables

• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Protein

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey/chicken)

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice (any type)

Serving Size: Serves 4

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium bowl for sauce
• Small container for cornstarch slurry
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cornstarch Slurry

• Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water in a small container. Shake to mix and set aside in a cool place.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well and set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli

• Heat peanut oil (or olive/vegetable oil) over medium heat.
• Add broccoli and toss to coat. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Ground Beef

• Season the beef with salt and white pepper to taste.
• In the same pan, cook ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for 1 additional minute.

5. Add the Sauce

• Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a boil.
• Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
• Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking gently until desired thickness is achieved.

6. Add the Broccoli Back

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir the broccoli back into the pan and mix thoroughly to heat through.

7. Serve

• Serve hot over cooked rice.
• Optional garnishes: green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Tips & Variations

• Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based beef alternatives.
• Vegetable additions: Julienned carrots, celery, kale, snap peas, or water chestnuts.
• Toppings: Toasted almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, or crunchy chow mein noodles.
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and/or reduced-sodium broth.
• Frozen broccoli: Thaw and pat dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• Adjust sweetness: Add extra honey or brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, or reduce for savory preference.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet-savory sauce with garlic and ginger highlights the natural flavor of beef and vegetables.
• Texture: Tender-crisp broccoli, juicy ground beef, and slightly soft bell peppers.
• Pairings:
  • Steamed or fried rice
  • Noodles or quinoa
  • Fresh side salad or Asian-style slaw
  • Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, including rice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	488 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	65 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	5 g
Trans Fat	0.4 g
Cholesterol	70 mg
Sodium	1,138 mg
Potassium	842 mg
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	21 g
Vitamin A	1,357 IU
Vitamin C	102 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Iron	4 mg

Dietary Notes: High-protein, nutrient-rich, and suitable for families seeking balanced meals.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep veggies in advance to reduce cooking time on busy nights.
• Cook sauce ahead of time and store in a sealed container.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Can freeze stir-fry (without rice) for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
• Rice tips: Cook rice with chicken broth or bouillon cubes for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before cooking to prevent soggy vegetables.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

3. Can I swap beef for ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely; adjust cooking time slightly for leaner proteins.

4. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce honey or brown sugar to your preferred sweetness.

5. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	10 minutes
Cook broccoli	4–5 minutes
Cook beef & onions	5–7 minutes
Add bell pepper & sauce	3–5 minutes
Thicken sauce & add broccoli	2–3 minutes
Total	~30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white, jasmine, or brown rice.
• Add a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
• Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for extra texture.
• Use rice noodles or quinoa for a gluten-free twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Broccoli:

• Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Blanching or sautéing briefly preserves texture and nutrients.

Ground Beef:

• High in protein and iron.
• Choosing lean beef reduces excess fat and calories.

Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil:

• Provide authentic Asian flavor and umami richness.
• Toasted sesame oil should be added at the end for maximum aroma.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown the beef fully for maximum flavor and texture.
• Sauté vegetables separately if you prefer extra crunch.
• Control sauce thickness: Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring to reach desired consistency.
• Taste before serving: Adjust salt, pepper, or honey as needed.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without rice for up to 2 months; reheat gently to preserve texture.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through.

Expanded Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe proves that quick, flavorful weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated. With tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s healthy, family-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for meal prep, a busy weeknight, or a casual dinner, this stir-fry delivers balanced nutrition, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup. Adaptable for dietary preferences, customizable with extra vegetables or toppings, and versatile for serving over rice, noodles, or in wraps, this dish is a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again.

From the first bite to the last, you’ll enjoy the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it one of the most reliable and satisfying meals for your weekly rotation.

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