Ground Beef and Broccoli Bowl

This Ground Beef and Broccoli skillet is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty and satisfying that feels a little special but comes together fast. Juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a sticky sweet ginger garlic sauce all come together in under thirty minutes for a meal my family requests again and again.

I remember the first time I made this after a long soccer practice with hungry kids at home and now it is in our meal rotation whenever we need a fast dinner that everyone loves

Ingredients

• Peanut oil: brings subtle richness with a high smoke point for stir frying but vegetable or olive oil will work in a pinch
• Broccoli florets: are the classic choice for crunch and bright color choose firm stalks with tight green heads
• Ground beef: delivers savory flavor and quick protein stick with fresh eighty percent lean for best texture
• Yellow onion: diced finely for background sweetness and depth look for onions with papery skins and no sprouts
• Red bell pepper: adds color and sweet crunch always pick peppers with glossy skin and a heavy feel
• Salt and white pepper: round out the seasoning white pepper has a subtle heat that complements Asian inspired sauces
• Beef broth: as the sauce base choose low sodium for more control of saltiness and go for a rich color
• Soy sauce: provides umami aim for low sodium if needed and taste before you add extra salt
• Brown sugar and honey: balance savory notes add deep sweetness and help the sauce get glossy I like dark brown sugar for extra caramel notes
• Garlic and ground ginger: layer in aromatic warmth fresh garlic cloves are best
• Toasted sesame oil: finishes the sauce with nutty complexity a little goes a long way
• Cooked rice: for serving use your favorite variety white rice or jasmine is classic but brown rice works too

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work:

Combine cornstarch and cold water in a small lidded jar and shake until smooth then store it in a cool spot out of the way. Stir together beef broth soy sauce brown sugar honey garlic ground ginger and toasted sesame oil in a medium bowl taste for sweetness adding more honey if you like a sweeter sauce.

Cook the Broccoli:

Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add broccoli florets and toss them to coat in oil. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about four minutes then toss and cook another minute until they are slightly softened but still bright green. Remove the broccoli to a plate and set aside so it does not overcook.

Cook the Beef:

Season the ground beef lightly with salt and white pepper. Add it to the skillet along with the diced onions. Cook over medium high heat breaking the beef up as you go. Continue stirring for around six to eight minutes until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened and look translucent. Tilt the pan and carefully drain off any extra fat. Next toss in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for just one minute to keep it crisp.

Add the Sauce:

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Let the mixture reduce slightly for two to three minutes to concentrate the flavors. Give the cornstarch slurry another shake then slowly pour it into the bubbling sauce stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens and takes on a lovely glossy look usually about two to three more minutes.

Add the Broccoli Back:

Turn the heat to low and add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet. Gently stir to coat each floret in the flavorful sauce. Let everything heat through thoroughly for one to two more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed then serve right away over bowls of steamed rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or your favorite toppings.

Pin it

The sweet and savory sauce is always the highlight for me. My kids always compete for the saucy broccoli pieces which makes me smile since I grew up disliking vegetables until I tried something like this with a really good sauce. Every time I taste the finished dish it takes me back to family stir fry nights with everyone gathered around the table reaching for seconds.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions of the cooled beef and broccoli in freezer safe containers for up to two months but the broccoli will be softer after freezing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or ground chicken both work beautifully instead of beef if you want a lighter version. Swap in any quick cooking or frozen vegetables such as snow peas shredded carrots or thawed frozen broccoli. Soy sauce can be replaced by coconut aminos for a soy free option and brown sugar by coconut sugar if desired.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

Spoon your beef and broccoli over freshly cooked rice or try it with cauliflower rice for a lighter take. Garnish with sesame seeds crunchy chow mein noodles or chopped peanuts for added texture. If you like a bit of heat set out chili crisp or red pepper flakes at the table.

Cultural and Historical Context

While this recipe is inspired by classic Chinese American restaurant beef and broccoli it uses ground beef instead of sliced steak for simplicity and budget. The sweet soy garlic sauce echoes flavors from popular Chinese style stir fries but this is a true weeknight shortcut version that makes the meal accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well and offer a lighter flavor profile while maintaining the heartiness of the dish.

→ Is it possible to use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw and pat dry the frozen broccoli before tossing it in the pan. This helps prevent excess water and ensures even cooking.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Try adding julienned carrots, water chestnuts, celery, or kale. Stir them in with the bell peppers or broccoli for more color and texture.

→ What toppings go well with this dish?

Green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, chow mein noodles, or sliced almonds all add a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.

→ How can I make the dish lower in sodium?

Use low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium broth. Taste as you go, and adjust the salt or soy sauce to your preference.