Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup beef broth; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup white onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices; 3 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)

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A quick and flavorful one-pan dinner, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet features tender broccoli, sweet bell peppers, savory ground beef, and a rich, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, colorful, and satisfying without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of beef and broccoli and makes them even easier by using ground beef—no slicing steak required. The combination of crisp-tender vegetables and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce is irresistible over rice or noodles. It’s a full meal made in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup, and you can easily customize it with different vegetables or spice levels to suit your taste. Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup beef broth
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices
3 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the prepared sauce and add broccoli. Stir well and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 4–5 minutes, until broccoli is tender and sauce thickens.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories: 302 kcal per serving

Variations

Swap red bell pepper for yellow or orange for a different sweetness and color.
Add sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use hoisin sauce in place of some of the brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding sriracha.
Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just add it directly to the skillet—no need to thaw.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce.

What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (85–90% lean) keeps the dish flavorful without too much grease.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely—it reheats well and makes a great lunch over rice or noodles.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make it without sugar?

You can reduce or omit the brown sugar, though the sauce will be less sweet.

What’s the best side dish?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles work beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook the beef and vegetables in batches.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute plant-based ground meat or tofu.

Should I blanch the broccoli first?

Not necessary—adding it directly to the sauce will cook it just enough to be tender-crisp.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. With tender vegetables, savory beef, and a glossy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over rice or noodles, it’s a weeknight winner you’ll come back to again and again.