15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

I’m excited to share this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe that has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s quick, satisfying, and hits that perfect balance between savory and just a little sweet, with tender beef and bright broccoli soaking up every bit of sauce. You’ll find it’s a fantastic recipe when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and comforting.

What makes this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe truly special is how effortless it is without sacrificing flavor. From my experience, it’s a great meal to have in your repertoire for busy nights, when you want to feed the family or just treat yourself to a cozy dinner fast. Plus, it’s really versatile, so you can tweak it for your tastes or what you have on hand.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe plays a role in creating that quick, tasty dinner we all need sometimes. I always recommend using low-sodium sauces to control saltiness, and frozen broccoli is a lifesaver for quick prep without losing texture.

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and protein without too much grease, making it perfect for quick cooking.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth and umami while keeping the sauce from becoming too salty.
• Oyster Sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity that’s key for authentic flavor.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances salty and savory notes gently, so your dish isn’t overpowering.
• Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness that rounds out the savory sauces perfectly.
• Rice Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle tang, balancing the richness of beef.
• Garlic Powder & Fresh Garlic: Layered garlic flavors boost aroma and taste without too much fuss.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A little kick for those who love a mild spice, easily adjustable to your liking.
• Fresh or Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and that signature bite that complements garlic and beef beautifully.
• Frozen Broccoli Florets: Super convenient; they cook quickly and retain their crunch well.
• Cornstarch & Cool Water: Makes a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly in minutes.
• Toasted Sesame Oil (optional): Just a splash finishes the dish with a nutty aroma and extra flavor depth.
• Cooked Rice or Noodles: Essential for soaking up all that wonderful sauce and making it a full meal.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe is—over time, I’ve made little adjustments based on what’s in my fridge or my craving. Don’t hesitate to swap veggies or dial up the spice; it’s your dinner, after all.

• Veggie Swap: I’ve used snow peas or thinly sliced carrots instead of broccoli when fresh broccoli wasn’t around, and it worked great with a slightly longer simmer.
• Spice Level: For a bigger kick, I sometimes add an extra pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha at the end.
• Ginger Variation: When I don’t have fresh ginger, jarred minced ginger saves the day with minimal flavor loss—just make sure to adjust quantity since the flavor is milder.
• Oyster Sauce Alternatives: If you’re out of oyster sauce, I’ve tried upping soy and honey with a bit of hoisin sauce or Worcestershire, and it’s still tasty.

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

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

I always start by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, then adding the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, stirring it as it cooks so you get even browning but no big clumps. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. A quick tip: don’t rush this part because properly browned beef adds amazing flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Add Aromatics

While the beef cooks, whisk together beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl—this makes your sauce base. Once the beef is browned, push it to the edges of the pan and add freshly minced garlic and grated ginger right in the center. Stir those aromatics for about a minute or two until fragrant. Then drain any excess grease from the pan so your sauce doesn’t get greasy.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Broccoli, Simmer

Pour the sauce mixture and frozen broccoli into the pan with the beef. Give everything a good stir to combine. Turn up the heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite. Usually, this takes around 4-5 minutes, but check the package instructions if needed.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk the cornstarch into cool water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the pan while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture back up to a boil and cook for a minute or two, stirring often, until the sauce thickens nicely. If you like, stir in a bit of toasted sesame oil right at the end for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.

How to Serve 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions on top. It adds a nice crunch and fresh brightness that enhances each bite. If I’m feeling fancy, a little fresh cilantro goes a long way too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving this over steamed jasmine rice or sometimes noodles when I want an alternate texture. Quick pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian-style salad with a sesame dressing complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged this beef and broccoli over a bed of spiralized zucchini for a light, fresh twist when hosting friends. You can also plate it in lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. Presentation always makes dinner feel a bit more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the sauce and beef mixture from the rice if I’m saving some, so nothing gets too mushy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe before, and it reheats surprisingly well. Just cool completely after cooking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the beef and broccoli gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the beef. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to keep that fresh flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s reliably delicious and comes together so fast. I think you’ll love how easy it is to get a satisfying, flavorful meal on the table without scrambling. Give it a try—I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too, just like it did in mine!

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