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15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 11 reviews

Let me tell you about one of my absolute weeknight heroes: this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfectly hits the spot when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. I love how tender beef mingles with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet, salty, and a little tangy—everything comes together in a flash.

Whether you’re rushing home from work or need a last-minute dinner solution, this recipe won’t let you down. It’s simple enough for beginners and flexible enough for anyone wanting to tweak flavors or add other veggies. Trust me, once you try this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation, just like I do.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Speed and Simplicity: Ready in just 15 minutes using straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines savory oyster and soy sauces with a touch of honey and vinegar for complexity.
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Lean ground beef paired with broccoli offers protein and veggies in every bite.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap veggies, add spices, or adjust sweetness to suit your personal taste.
A silver cooking pan filled with a mix of small green broccoli florets and brown cooked ground meat in a shiny brown sauce, with some red specks scattered throughout. A red spoon with a silver handle rests inside the pan, positioned horizontally across the top. The pan is placed on a wooden surface covered partially by a cloth with white and dark red stripes. The background shows a blue wooden texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients that marry beautifully. Choosing the right type of beef and pantry staples really makes the difference, plus broccoli adds freshness and texture.

  • Lean ground beef: Choosing lean cuts keeps the dish from getting greasy while providing rich flavor and protein.
  • Low-sodium beef broth: Adds depth without overpowering saltiness, letting you control seasoning.
  • Oyster sauce: Infuses the sauce with umami and a little sweetness, key to that Asian-inspired vibe.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and depth, low-sodium gives you control over the final taste.
  • Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, rounding out tangy and savory notes.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a gentle acidic kick to balance richness.
  • Garlic powder and fresh garlic: Layering with these adds bold aromatic flavor without extra effort.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming.
  • Fresh ginger or ground ginger: Brings a warm zing that complements the beef and broccoli beautifully.
  • Frozen broccoli florets: Convenient and perfectly tender when cooked; fresh works too if timed right.
  • Cornstarch and water: Create a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
  • Toasted sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty, fragrant finish that’s a lovely signature touch.
  • Cooked rice or noodles: Perfect bases to soak up the sauce and turn this into a full, satisfying meal.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or tweak the sauce to suit your mood.

  • Veggie swaps: I’ve had great results subbing snow peas or thinly sliced carrots for broccoli—it adds a nice crunch and sweet contrast.
  • Spice it up: Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like things spicier—just how I do it sometimes on busy evenings.
  • Ginger alternatives: If fresh ginger isn’t handy, jarred minced ginger works well, though the fresh ginger really elevates the dish’s brightness.
  • Oyster sauce tweaks: No oyster sauce? No problem. I’ve replaced it with extra soy sauce and a splash of Worcestershire or hoisin sauce and the flavor still shines.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high, and add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks until no pink remains, usually about 5 minutes. I like to pop on some tunes during this step to make the wait feel quicker! Once cooked, push the beef to the sides of the pan—this lets you add aromatics right into the center.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Add minced garlic and fresh grated ginger right into the pan’s center and stir for a minute or two until fragrant, careful not to burn them. You’ll immediately notice the kitchen filling with those warm, inviting aromas that make you feel like dinner is going to be awesome.

Step 3: Mix in Sauce and Broccoli

Drain excess grease from the pan, then pour in your pre-mixed sauce along with the broccoli florets. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender but still has a little bite—usually around 4-6 minutes if using frozen, less for fresh. Keep stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Finish

Whisk cornstarch into cool water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the skillet. Continue simmering for a couple minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully and clings to every piece. Finish off with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for that extra flavor punch, and you’re ready to serve!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: I always check early to keep broccoli tender but crisp, avoiding that mushy texture.
  • Use a Wide Pan: This helps the beef brown evenly and allows enough room to stir without overcrowding.
  • Prep Sauce Ahead: Mixing the sauce while beef cooks saves time and keeps the process smooth.
  • Adjust Salt Carefully: Because soy and oyster sauces vary in saltiness, I recommend tasting before adding extra salt.

How to Serve 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

A white plate with a thick rim holds a bed of fluffy white rice forming the bottom layer, topped with a mix of brown cooked ground meat and bright green broccoli florets as the second layer, scattered evenly across the rice. The broccoli has a tender, slightly oily texture with a light shine, and some small red flakes are visible on the food. A silver fork rests on the plate’s edge, slightly on the rice. The plate is set on a wooden surface with a hint of a white and red striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions right before serving—they add a lovely crunch and fresh pop of color. A squeeze of lime juice or a few red pepper flakes on top can brighten things up if you like a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

I love serving this over steamed jasmine rice or tossed with some freshly cooked noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes, a simple side of stir-fried snap peas or a crisp salad balances the meal nicely without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I’ve plated this dish in shallow bowls with neatly arranged broccoli florets and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top—looks beautiful and inviting. You could also serve it family-style in a large platter surrounded by rice, letting everyone dig in and customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay tasty for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, which I actually enjoy, making the flavors even more concentrated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times by letting it cool fully, then packing it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up and keep it saucy rather than dry.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for the 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe?

    Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully. Just cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and watch the cooking time closely—fresh broccoli usually cooks faster, so start checking for tenderness around the 3-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe without oyster sauce?

    Yes, you can leave out oyster sauce if needed, but the flavor will be less deep and slightly less sweet. I recommend replacing it with extra soy sauce and a little honey, maybe a splash of Worcestershire or hoisin sauce for complexity, to approximate the taste.

  3. How do I prevent the ground beef from getting rubbery?

    Cook ground beef over medium-high heat until just browned and no longer pink—avoid overcooking, which can toughen the meat. Be sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks to promote even browning and tenderness.

  4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

    Yes! It stores well in the fridge and can be portioned out for lunches or quick dinners. Just reheat gently and consider adding a little broth or water if the sauce thickens too much after storage.

  5. What is the best way to thicken the sauce quickly?

    Use a simple cornstarch slurry mixed with cold water and pour it slowly into the simmering sauce while stirring. Within a couple minutes, you’ll see your sauce transform to a glossy, clingy texture perfect for coating beef and broccoli.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe has become a kitchen favorite of mine because it combines speed, flavor, and flexibility like few meals do. I love how easy it is to whip up on busy days without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll enjoy how fast you can get a wholesome, delicious dinner on the table that feels just a bit special.

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15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
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Description

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining lean ground beef with tender broccoli florets, cooked in a savory sauce made from low-sodium beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and other seasonings. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets frozen
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Flavorings

  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced or grated ginger OR 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)

Thickener

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cool water

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: Set a large skillet, sauté pan, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking apart and stirring as the meat cooks.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the beef is cooking, combine the beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl or large measuring cup; set aside.
  3. Add aromatics: After the beef is cooked, push it to the edges of the pan, add the minced garlic and ginger in the center, and stir for a minute or two until fragrant. Drain the grease from the pan.
  4. Add sauce and broccoli: Add the prepared sauce and the broccoli florets to the pan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness (follow package instructions if using frozen broccoli).
  5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the cool water until dissolved. Slowly pour the slurry into the pan while stirring the beef and broccoli. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. Finish and serve: Stir in the toasted sesame oil if using. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

  • You may use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just make sure the florets are cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • You can substitute other veggies like snow peas, shredded or thinly-sliced carrots, baby corn, or bell peppers. Firmer veggies may require extra simmering time; add extra broth if the sauce evaporates too much.
  • If fresh ginger is unavailable, use jarred or frozen minced ginger. Ground ginger can be substituted but results in a milder ginger flavor.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce to prevent the dish from being too salty.
  • Natural oyster sauce without added MSG is recommended and usually available at most grocery stores.
  • If omitting oyster sauce, increase soy sauce to 3 ½ tablespoons and honey to 1 ½ tablespoons; optionally add Worcestershire sauce or hoisin sauce to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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