|

15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug but only takes a flash to make, this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how quickly it comes together, making it a go-to for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The mix of savory beef and tender broccoli with a silky, flavorful sauce always hits the spot.

What I especially appreciate about this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re a beginner or someone juggling a million things, you can pull it off easily—and it tastes way better than takeout! Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and protein from the ground beef, so it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

  • Speedy and Simple: You can have dinner ready in about 15 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
  • Balanced Flavor Profile: The blend of soy, oyster sauce, and honey creates a perfect sweet-savory combination.
  • Flexible Ingredients: It’s easy to swap veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your pantry or preferences.
  • Healthy and Filling: Lean ground beef and broccoli deliver protein and fiber for a nourishing meal.
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

The magic of this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe really starts with its simple, accessible ingredients that work well together and deliver big flavor. When shopping, look for lean ground beef and fresh or frozen broccoli florets—you can’t go wrong either way.

  • Lean Ground Beef: Using lean beef helps keep the dish from getting greasy while providing rich, meaty flavor.
  • Beef Broth (low-sodium): Adds depth without overpowering, and controlling salt lets you balance flavors perfectly.
  • Oyster Sauce: The secret to that umami punch that makes this recipe taste so crave-worthy.
  • Soy Sauce (low-sodium): Adds salty savoriness while keeping the sodium in check when combined with low-sodium broth.
  • Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the soy and oyster sauce perfectly.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the dish overall.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic warmth and depth—essential for that Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Frozen Broccoli Florets: Convenient and nutritious, you can use fresh if you prefer; just cut the florets bite-sized.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce quickly, giving you that perfect glossy finish.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil (optional): Just a splash at the end adds a delightful nutty aroma and subtle richness.
📝
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

I love making this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe my own by switching up the veggies or adding a personal touch with spices. You should definitely experiment a bit—it’s the easiest way to make it feel like your special signature dish.

  • Veggie Swap: I’ve swapped broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers when I want a pop of color and crunch, and it works beautifully.
  • Heat It Up: If you like spice, adding a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce gives it a fiery kick.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Love

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high and toss in your lean ground beef. Stir and break it apart as it cooks until there’s no pink left. I find stirring often helps it cook evenly, and scraping up those browned bits on the pan builds flavor—don’t skip this step! Once cooked, push the beef to the edges of the pan to make room for the aromatics.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Ginger

In the cleared center of your pan, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. Then, be sure to drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the sauce light and not greasy.

Step 3: Simmer with the Sauce and Broccoli

Pour your pre-mixed sauce of beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes into the pan. Add the broccoli florets right away and stir to combine. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer. If you’re using frozen broccoli, check the package instructions for timing, but generally 4-6 minutes works well. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green.

Step 4: Thicken and Finish

Whisk cornstarch into cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stream it into your simmering sauce while stirring. Bring the sauce back up to a boil and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy. This step makes all the difference—it turns the sauce into that luscious, silky coating that clings perfectly to every bite. Finally, stir in a splash of toasted sesame oil if you’re using it for that extra layer of aroma.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skimp on Aromatics: Using fresh garlic and ginger makes a huge difference in flavor compared to powders or dried alternatives.
  • Control the Salt: Always start with low-sodium broth and soy sauce—you can add more after tasting if needed.
  • Broccoli Timing: Check the broccoli doneness early; overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crunch.
  • Cornstarch Consistency: Make sure to dissolve cornstarch fully in cold water before adding to avoid clumps in the sauce.

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’m a big fan of sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and an extra flavor boost. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten it beautifully. If you like heat, a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil finishes it off with a satisfying kick.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when served over fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles, like udon or rice noodles. I sometimes serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots for some acidity and crunch that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the beef and broccoli over jasmine rice inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option. It feels a little fancy but is still totally fuss-free! You can also sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or mint on top for a fresh herb twist that surprises your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the broccoli crisp and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times when I doubled the batch. It freezes well but I recommend freezing it without rice or noodles for best texture. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the sauce silky and the broccoli from getting mushy, I reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring gently just until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great. Just make sure to cut the florets into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly within the short simmering time. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time depending on how crisp or tender you like your broccoli.

  2. Is it okay to leave out the oyster sauce?

    You can leave it out if you don’t have it on hand, though the dish loses a bit of its characteristic depth and umami. To compensate, try increasing the soy sauce and honey slightly, or add a splash of Worcestershire or hoisin sauce. Just taste as you go to avoid over-salting.

  3. What can I serve with this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe?

    This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, which soak up the rich sauce beautifully. For sides, light salads or pickled vegetables add balance and freshness that complements the savory beef and broccoli perfectly.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (many brands are). This way, you keep the flavor intact without gluten worries.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable—a few simple ingredients come together fast for a meal that tastes complex and comforting. It’s like a little kitchen secret that never fails to impress, even on my busiest days. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough; once you do, I bet it’ll become one of your quick, go-to dinners too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low Salt
Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful 15-minute recipe for ground beef and broccoli cooked in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets frozen
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced/grated ginger OR 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 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

Thickening & Flavoring

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cool water
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart and stirring as it cooks.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the beef cooks, combine beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl or large measuring cup. Set this sauce mixture aside.
  3. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, push it to the edges of the pan and add the minced garlic and ginger in the center. Stir for a minute or two until fragrant. Drain excess grease from the pan.
  4. Cook Broccoli with Sauce: Add the sauce mixture and frozen broccoli to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally. Follow the broccoli package timing if using frozen.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the cold water until dissolved to make a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the pan while stirring the beef and broccoli mixture. 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 the hot ground beef and broccoli mixture over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen; just cut into bite-sized florets.
  • Other vegetables such as snow peas, shredded carrots, baby corn, or bell peppers can be used instead of or with broccoli. Firmer vegetables may require longer simmering and possibly extra broth to maintain sauciness.
  • If fresh ginger is unavailable, jarred or frozen minced ginger is a good alternative. Ground ginger can be used in a pinch but will yield a milder flavor.
  • Using low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce helps prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Natural oyster sauce without added MSG is preferred and can often be found in regular grocery stores.
  • Oyster sauce can be omitted; to compensate, increase soy sauce to 3 ½ tablespoons and honey to 1 ½ tablespoons, optionally add Worcestershire sauce or hoisin sauce to deepen flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star