How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli in 30 Minutes

By: Sarah

June 3, 2025

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a simple and flavorful recipe for Ground Beef and Broccoli that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a great option for a quick family dinner that’s also good for you. So, let’s dive in and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
  • Packed with protein and veggies for a healthy dinner
  • Customizable to your taste preferences
  • Works great as a 30-minute meal for busy families
  • Can be served with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe:

  • 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • Salt/White Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dish:

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet
  3. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ground ginger
  5. Stir in the broccoli florets
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water
  7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet
  8. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey
  9. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens
  10. Season with salt and white pepper to taste
  11. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil before serving

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe even better:

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor
  • Customize the sauce to your taste—add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness
  • For a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes
  • Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes if you prefer it thicker

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving this Ground Beef and Broccoli dish:

  • Serve over a bed of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Add some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture
  • Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad
  • Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to make this recipe ahead of time and store it:

  • Make ahead: Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Freeze: Freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat

And there you have it—a quick, easy, and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners and healthy dinner recipes. Give it a try and let me know what you think! If you’re looking for more ground beef recipes, check out my Korean Ground Beef Bowl or Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking!

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry dish featuring ground beef and broccoli in a savory sauce, served over rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pantry

  • 1 Tablespoon peanut oil can sub vegetable or olive
  • 3 cups broccoli florets washed and patted dry
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • Salt/White Pepper to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cups cooked rice any kind

Instructions
 

  • Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
  • Add diced onion and sliced red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
  • Add broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry until broccoli is tender-crisp.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey. Pour sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat. Cook until sauce thickens.
  • Stir in toasted sesame oil. Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

Notes

Customize the sauce to your taste by adjusting the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
Keyword ground beef
Sarah smiling warmly in her kitchen, wearing a cozy sweater

Sarah, Dinner lover, home cook, and the heart behind E-Dinner Recipes!

Driven by a passion for making mealtime easy and enjoyable, I created this blog to show that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Here, you’ll find simple, flavorful recipes, practical tips, and all the inspiration you need to cook with confidence — whether you’re new to the kitchen or just looking for fresh dinner ideas.

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