Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 5 large garlic cloves (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (small pieces, no stems); 1/4 cup water; 2 large green onions (thinly sliced); sesame seeds (for topping, optional)

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This one pan ground beef and broccoli skillet meal is so full of umami and savory flavors that you won’t believe it cooks in only 15 minutes. The bold taste comes from the combination of fresh garlic, green onions, and ginger, all covered in a homemade sauce. It’s an entire meal in one dish!

Easy skillet recipes are some of our favorite things to make for dinner. If you’re looking for more one pot meals, try these Enchilada Meatballs. Or bake a Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – kids love it too!

Two plates of ground beef and broccoli topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. With a small dish of green onions, a piece of fresh ginger and a striped towel.

15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Skillet

This ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is a comforting meal that comes together in one pan but tastes like you spent hours on it. The savory ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a rich sauce that keeps you coming back for bite after bite.

In fact, the sauce is where the magic happens! The simple mix of soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, and rice vinegar creates a flavorful glaze that clings to every piece of beef and broccoli. Minced garlic and fresh ginger add a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish while the brown sugar softens it all up.

Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice, toss it with noodles, or enjoy a bowl all on its own, this ground beef and broccoli recipe brings big flavor for minimal effort. It’s the perfect thing to whip up on busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Above view of a plate of ground beef and broccoli topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Beef with Broccoli Ingredients

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the least amount of grease and quickest cooking time.
Soy Sauce: Control the saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: For the best flavor, use light brown sugar.
Broth: Either beef or vegetable broth will taste perfect in this sauce.
Corn Starch: It only takes a little bit to thicken the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Always use fresh garlic for the fullest aroma.
Fresh Ginger: This adds essential spice to round out the flavors.
Broccoli: Chop up and use only the florets.
Green Onions: Thinly sliced, they add both earthy and sweet flavors.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, but adds incredible flavor and a little crunch.

All of the ingredients needed to make ground beef with broccoli.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Here are the basic instructions to make skillet beef and broccoli. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post with full ingredients and instructions to make it.

Step one is browning the ground beef in a pan. — **STEP 1:** Set a large pan. Once the pan is hot add in the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat. Add salt and pepper.

Step two is mixing together the ingredients for the sauce. — **STEP 2:** While the beef is cooking, stir together the soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step three is pushing the beef to the side and cooking the ginger and garlic. — **STEP 3:** Push the browned meat over to a side and add in the ginger and garlic. Cook, then mix in with the beef. Drain off any extra grease.

Step four is cooking the broccoli and then adding the sauce. — **STEP 4:** Add in the broccoli and the water. Cover and steam. Add sauce and cook until thickened.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Let the ground beef cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This helps it develop a rich, caramelized flavor instead of steaming in its own juices.
Freshly minced garlic and ginger make a big difference. They add brightness and depth that powdered versions just can’t match.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it simmer an extra minute or two. For a lighter version, thin it out with a splash of broth or water before serving.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat that balances the sweetness.
Swap the protein: Try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Add extra veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for more color and crunch. It’s an easy way to use up whatever’s in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to drain the grease from the ground beef before adding the garlic and ginger? This depends on how much grease you see. Some types of ground beef have a higher fat content, so they release more grease. If you can see grease pooling in the skillet, drain it before you add the rest of the ingredients.

Can I precook the ingredients? Yes, you can! This will speed up the cooking time a lot. Brown the ground beef and steam the broccoli. Then, all you have to do is add the sauce and heat it all up together.

How to Store & Reheat

How to store it? Store the cooked beef and broccoli in an airtight food storage container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to reheat it? Reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave.

How to freeze it? Place it in a freezer-safe container or food storage bag and keep it in the freezer for up to six months.

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