One-Pan Ground Beef and Broccoli the Whole Family Will Love

Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner idea? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes—all in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a fast, no-fuss dish after a long day, this recipe is a total winner.

This dish brings together tender ground beef with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a savory-sweet garlic ginger sauce. It’s inspired by classic Asian takeout flavors, but made with clean, everyday ingredients from your own kitchen. No artificial flavors, no MSG, and no mystery meat—just real, whole food that tastes amazing.

Ground beef and broccoli is also a great way to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. It’s rich in protein, full of nutrients, and can easily be made gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free depending on your needs. Best of all? It’s affordable and made with pantry staples you probably already have.

If you’re tired of complicated recipes or spending hours in the kitchen, this one is for you. It’s straightforward, family-approved, and totally satisfying. Let’s dive into why this meal deserves a regular spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This ground beef and broccoli

There’s a lot to love about this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe—and it’s not just because it tastes great (though that’s definitely a big part of it). Here’s why this dish stands out:

1. It’s Fast and Easy: This meal is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a quick chop, a hot skillet, and you’re on your way to dinner.

2. Affordable Ingredients: Ground beef and broccoli are budget-friendly and available year-round. You don’t need to spend a lot to make something that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

3. Full of Flavor: Thanks to garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, this dish delivers a bold, mouthwatering flavor that everyone loves—kids and adults alike.

4. Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this meal will leave you satisfied without weighing you down. It’s perfect for a low-carb, high-protein lifestyle, and it’s easy to adjust for specific dietary needs.

5. Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats like a dream. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long.

Simple, flavorful, and good for you—this recipe is a keeper. Ready to get started?

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list or fancy ingredients to make this flavorful dish. Most of these items are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find in any grocery store. Here’s everything you’ll need for a hearty skillet of Ground Beef and Broccoli:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best for flavor and moisture)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking and flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works too)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish and extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds depth and aroma)
• ½ cup beef broth or water (for thinning the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch for a slurry)

Optional Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Sliced bell peppers or carrots (for more color and crunch)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Ground beef is flavorful, affordable, and cooks quickly—perfect for weeknight meals.
• Broccoli adds texture and nutrition. It soaks up the sauce while staying tender-crisp.
• Garlic and ginger bring that classic stir-fry aroma and depth of flavor.
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar create a perfect balance of salty, savory, and sweet.
• Cornstarch slurry gives you a glossy, thick sauce that clings to every bite.

With just these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need for a bold, comforting, and wholesome meal that rivals your favorite takeout.

How to Make ground beef and broccoli

Making Ground Beef and Broccoli is as easy as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps to bring everything together quickly and efficiently. Here’s the full recipe breakdown:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (chopped to bite-size pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth. In another small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make a slurry. Set both aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Aromatics:
   Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   Return broccoli to the skillet. Stir in the sauce mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Top with sliced green onions if using. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.

This dish is all about bold flavors, balanced textures, and ease of preparation. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so satisfying.

You Must Know

Before making Ground Beef and Broccoli, here are a few key things that will help you get the best results—every time.

1. Fresh Broccoli Works Best

You can use frozen broccoli, but fresh gives the best texture. It stays tender with a bit of crunch and holds onto the sauce better.

2. Don’t Overcook the Veggies

Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its bright color. Sauté or lightly steam it just until tender-crisp, then set it aside until you’re ready to combine it with the sauce.

3. Brown Your Beef Properly

Don’t just cook ground beef until it’s no longer pink—let it brown. A good sear brings out flavor. Let it sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute or two before stirring.

4. Use a Cornstarch Slurry

A thick sauce is key to a good stir-fry. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water first to avoid lumps, then add it to the pan once everything’s simmering.

5. Prep Ahead

This dish comes together fast. Chop your veggies and measure your sauce ingredients before you turn on the heat. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.

6. Keep It Flexible

This recipe works well with different diets. Want it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Watching carbs? Serve it over cauliflower rice. Prefer more spice? Add chili flakes or sriracha.

These simple tips make all the difference between a decent dish and one you’ll want to make over and over again.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Even though this recipe is simple, the way you cook each step affects the final result. Here’s how to perfect it:

Start with the Broccoli

Cook the broccoli first in a bit of oil until it turns bright green and slightly tender. Set it aside so it doesn’t get soggy when the sauce goes in later.

Brown the Beef Well

Add the ground beef and let it brown for maximum flavor. Break it apart as it cooks but allow parts to sear for that rich, deep taste.

Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the beef is browned, stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for just a minute to release their aroma—don’t burn them!

Deglaze the Pan

Before adding sauce, pour in a splash of broth or water to lift up any brown bits from the pan. This adds extra flavor to the final dish.

Thicken at the End

Add the sauce, bring it to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together.

Taste and Adjust

Right before serving, give it a taste. Add a little more soy sauce if you want it saltier, or a dash of sugar for sweetness. Finish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a final touch.

By following these steps, you’ll get tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a thick, flavorful sauce every time.

Add Your Touch

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is delicious as-is, but you can easily personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Switch the Protein

Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or meatless version. Each brings a unique flavor but still works well with the sauce.

Boost the Veggies

Toss in bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to make it more colorful and nutritious. Just cook them lightly so they stay crisp.

Add Heat

If you like spice, stir in red pepper flakes or a little chili paste while cooking the beef. A drizzle of sriracha at the end also adds a nice kick.

Change the Base

Don’t want rice? Serve it over noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. For a low-carb option, use shredded cabbage or lettuce wraps.

Top It Off

Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime. These little extras add crunch and fresh flavor without much effort.

This is a forgiving recipe—feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftover produce or try new flavor combos.

Storing & Reheating

This dish stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or weekly meal prep.

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In the Fridge

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Let the food cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the rice separate if possible to prevent it from getting soggy.

In the Freezer

Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them. It stays good for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes if reheating a larger portion.

Best Practices

• Only reheat once.
• Don’t over-microwave broccoli—it can turn mushy.
• If freezing, skip delicate veggies like spinach.

With smart storage and reheating, this meal keeps its flavor and texture so you can enjoy it all week long.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Quick, flavorful meals like Ground Beef and Broccoli are all about timing and technique. Here are some helpful tips to get it just right

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Use a Hot Pan

Start with a hot skillet. It helps brown the beef faster and gives the broccoli a slight char, adding flavor without overcooking.

Don’t Crowd the Pan

Cook the beef and broccoli in stages. Too much in the pan lowers the heat and makes ingredients steam instead of sear.

Let the Beef Sit

Don’t stir constantly. Let the ground beef sit undisturbed for a minute to get that deep, savory browning. It adds way more flavor than quick stirring.

Prep Sauce Ahead

Mix your sauce and cornstarch slurry before cooking. This keeps things moving smoothly once the pan’s hot and prevents clumps or missed ingredients.

Add Cornstarch at the End

Thicken the sauce after simmering by adding the slurry. It only takes a minute to create that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Simple Garnishes Work Best

Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a clean finish.

Clean As You Go

With a short cook time, clean-up between steps makes everything easier—and quicker after dinner.

These little tips add polish without extra effort and help you get consistent results every time.

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and pat it dry first. Fresh gives better texture, but frozen is a quick backup.

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What Ground Beef Is Best?

Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Drain excess grease after cooking.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

It can be! Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and make sure your broth is gluten-free.

How Can I Make It Spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce or on top when serving.

Can I Double It?

Yes, just cook in batches to keep everything from getting soggy.

What Else Can I Serve It With?

Try noodles, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps. It’s great with just about any base.

Quick answers like these keep things simple, so you can enjoy the recipe with confidence—no guesswork needed.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—simple, fast, and packed with flavor. It brings together bold taste, fresh veggies, and everyday ingredients in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or cooking solo, this dish fits the moment.

What makes it special is how easily it adapts to your needs. From customizing the protein and spice level to swapping sides or adding more veggies, it’s endlessly flexible. And because it reheats well, it’s also a smart choice for leftovers or freezer meals.

If you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Ground Beef and Broccoli delivers. With just a few tips and a handful of ingredients, you’ve got a reliable go-to recipe that works every time.

So next time you need a fast, hearty meal, skip the takeout—this homemade version is just as tasty and twice as easy.