When I think about ground beef healthy recipes, this one always comes to mind. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when you’re trying to eat balanced meals. The mix of tender broccoli and seasoned ground beef keeps things hearty without feeling heavy. I remember making this after a long day, and by the time I sat down with a steaming bowl, I felt both comforted and satisfied. There’s something about ground beef and broccoli recipes that feels familiar yet fresh. The way the broccoli soaks up the savory sauce while still holding a little crunch makes every bite interesting. My kids even ask for seconds, and if you’ve ever tried to get little ones excited about green veggies, you know that’s a victory worth celebrating. This ground beef broccoli recipe falls right in line with the kind of ground beef recipes for dinner that make weeknights less stressful. I keep this on my easy ground beef dinner recipes list because it’s quick, filling, and saves well for leftovers. It’s one of those beef n broccoli recipes that feels like takeout but with the peace of mind that comes with homemade cooking. When life’s busy, recipes like this remind me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 8) Try these Main Course next!
- 9) Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- A balanced mix of lean ground beef and fresh broccoli makes this meal hearty yet light.
- The recipe is quick to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes.
- The sauce clings to the broccoli while keeping its crunch, making each bite flavorful.
- This meal is perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or next-day lunches.
2) Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
I’ll be honest with you, some nights I don’t have the patience for complicated cooking. This is why I love ground beef healthy recipes. They keep me full, save me from calling for takeout, and make my kitchen smell like I actually planned ahead. When I cook ground beef and broccoli, the sizzle in the skillet feels like a reward after a long day. It’s simple but has enough personality to make me proud to serve it.
We all know weeknights can get messy, between work emails and the laundry you swore you’d fold yesterday. That’s when this recipe steps in like a quiet hero. You brown the beef, toss in garlic, stir a sauce, then add broccoli. Done. The magic? It tastes like you spent more time on it. And that’s the secret power behind recipes like this.
This one joins my list of easy ground beef dinner recipes because it hits the sweet spot between convenience and flavor. My kids don’t fight the broccoli, my husband asks for seconds, and I get the peace of knowing I’ve made a balanced plate. No fancy tricks, no marathon cooking. Just dinner ready before anyone gets grumpy.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef: I go for lean ground beef so the dish feels lighter. The beef gives the dish its richness without drowning in grease.
Broccoli Florets: Bright green and fresh, broccoli adds crunch and soaks up the sauce beautifully. My trick? Don’t overcook them, so they keep that snap.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle to get things sizzling in the pan. It carries the garlic aroma through the whole kitchen.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth. The way it hits the hot pan and fills the room makes me feel like a pro, even when I’m in sweatpants.
Soy Sauce: I like low sodium so I can control the saltiness. It gives the base of that savory, glossy sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Thick and bold, it adds that restaurant-style punch. A small spoonful changes everything.
Cornstarch Slurry: Mixed with water, it thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every bite of beef and broccoli.
Ground Ginger: A small pinch makes the sauce warmer and brighter without stealing the show.
Beef Broth: Just a splash ties the sauce together and keeps the beef juicy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Nothing fancy, just the right touch to bring balance to the dish.
Cooked Rice: I serve this on fluffy white rice, but jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice works just as well.

4) How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add garlic. Let it soften and release its aroma. This is where dinner starts to smell good.
Step 2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if you want it lighter.
Step 3. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and sprinkle in ginger. Stir and let it simmer until the flavors mingle.
Step 4. Add broccoli florets and cover the skillet. In just a few minutes, they’ll turn bright green and tender but still crisp.
Step 5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Watch it coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
Step 6. Serve the dish hot over rice and enjoy the kind of meal that makes weeknights better.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli
I’ve learned some shortcuts over time. If I want more flavor, I’ll toast the garlic a bit longer. For extra kick, I sprinkle red pepper flakes at the end. When I make ground beef broccoli recipe versions for friends, I sometimes switch soy sauce with tamari for a gluten free twist. The flexibility makes it fun.
Keep an eye on the broccoli. Overcooked broccoli loses its bite, and in my house, that’s a deal breaker. Aim for tender crisp. You’ll know it’s right when it keeps its color and crunch after cooking. For a full meal, pair it with jasmine rice or even noodles for variety.
If you’re hunting for ground beef and broccoli recipes that don’t take hours, keep this one in your back pocket. It saves me time and always delivers flavor. A reliable dish like this is the kind of quiet kitchen win we all need sometimes.
6) Making Ground Beef and Broccoli Ahead of Time
When I know the week will be hectic, I prep this meal in stages. I brown the ground beef, steam the broccoli, and whisk the sauce earlier in the day. Later, I just bring them together in one skillet. It makes the final cooking go fast without cutting corners on taste.
Some recipes fall flat when reheated, but this one holds up. The beef stays juicy, and the broccoli keeps enough crunch if you don’t overcook it. I sometimes double the sauce and store half in a jar. That way, I can toss it with fresh broccoli later for another meal.
Ground beef healthy recipes like this one make planning ahead feel doable. When dinner is almost ready before I start cooking, I feel less pressure and more freedom to actually enjoy the meal with my family.
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli
Leftovers are my favorite part. I scoop them into airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to four days. The sauce soaks into the rice overnight, which makes the reheated dish even more comforting. A quick stir on the stove or in the microwave brings it back to life.
For longer storage, I freeze single portions. They thaw well and save me when I don’t feel like cooking. The trick is keeping the broccoli slightly undercooked before freezing so it doesn’t turn mushy later. It’s the little details that make the difference.
When I plan smart, this recipe gives me two or three easy lunches after the main dinner. Ground beef recipes for dinner don’t usually stretch this well, which is why this one stays on my repeat list.
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef Healthy Recipes with Broccoli for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and ground ginger. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add broccoli florets and cover skillet for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice and enjoy.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup | Calories: 290 | Protein: 23g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg
Recipe by Elena from Elena Cooks.






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