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ground beef broccoli recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe

If there’s one dish I keep coming back to when I want something quick, filling, and full of flavor, it’s a good ground beef broccoli recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a complete win — you’ve got protein, veggies, and usually a savory sauce that brings it all together.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup reduced‑sodium soy sauce or gluten‑free tamari – keeps the flavor umami without overloading on sodium
  • 1 tablespoon honey – natural sweetener much better than refined sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced – fresh always beats jarred for that punch
  • 1- inch piece fresh ginger peeled & grated – adds warmth and brightness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the sauce without heaviness
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil – a little goes a long way for nutty aroma
  • 1  lb lean ground beef 93% lean – drains well and stays juicy
  • ½ medium yellow onion chopped – balances savory beef with sweetness
  • 1 large head broccoli cut into florets and blanched* – blanched ensures tender-crisp texture
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds – adds crunch and finishing flavor
  • 3 scallions sliced on the bias – fresh garnish with a mild onion bite
  • Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. I whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. This combo gives you a well-balanced sauce—savory, lightly sweet, with just enough thickness. Setting it aside lets the flavors meld while I prep the rest.
  2. Bring a pot of water to boil, drop in the florets, and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Shock them in an ice bath to stop cooking. This step keeps broccoli crisp, vibrant, and exactly right when later stir-fried.
  3. I heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium-high, then add ground beef and chopped onion. Letting it sit without stirring for a minute helps brown the meat for rich flavor. Stir until beef is mostly cooked—about 5 minutes. You can drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stir well, and cook for a minute until it thickens slightly. Add the blanched broccoli and toss for another minute so everything is evenly coated and heated. The result is a glossy, flavorful stir-fry!
  5. Sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for texture and freshness. Serve right away over rice or cauliflower rice. If you ask me, a little extra soy drizzle at the table doesn’t hurt!