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15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

ByAmanda
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe is one of those lifesaver dinners that I turn to when I want something fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknights when your schedule is packed but you still want a meal that tastes like you spent way more time on it. The combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce just hits every craving spot.

What makes this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe really special is how versatile it is—you can easily swap ingredients and still get a fantastic result. Plus, the sauce is so packed with flavor, it’ll have you coming back for seconds (maybe thirds!). Seriously, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Speedy & Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: A blend of oyster sauce, soy, honey, and ginger creates a deliciously balanced taste.
  • Healthy & Flexible: Uses lean ground beef and broccoli, with easy swaps for veggies or proteins.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one skillet or pan.
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 ingredients in this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe are a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and a little bit of heat. Each plays a role in building complex flavors, while also keeping the dish healthy and straightforward.

  • Lean ground beef: Provides a rich protein base without excessive fat, which helps keep the dish lighter.
  • Beef broth (low-sodium): Adds depth to the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Oyster sauce: A key flavor booster that brings umami and slight sweetness.
  • Soy sauce (low-sodium): Balances saltiness and helps tie together all the sauce ingredients.
  • Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to balance salty and savory notes.
  • Rice vinegar: Gives a gentle tang to brighten the rich sauce.
  • Garlic powder and fresh minced garlic: Layer the garlicky warmth in different forms for depth.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers just a touch of heat without overpowering the dish.
  • Fresh ginger (or ground ginger): Adds that fresh, zesty zing essential in Asian-inspired recipes.
  • Frozen broccoli florets: Convenient and frozen at peak freshness, they cook quickly and stay crisp-tender.
  • Cornstarch and water slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to beef and broccoli.
  • Toasted sesame oil (optional): Swirled in at the end for a nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
  • Cooked rice or noodles: The perfect base to soak up all that wonderful sauce.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe to match whatever mood I’m in or what I have in stock. You should totally feel free to adapt and make it your own—it’s all about enjoying the flavors you love.

  • Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I swap broccoli for snow peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for a different crunch and color. Just a heads-up: firmer veggies might need a minute or two extra to cook.
  • Protein variations: Ground turkey or chicken work great if you want something a little lighter—or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
  • Spice it up: If you love heat, I add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha right in the sauce.
  • Oyster sauce alternatives: Don’t have oyster sauce? No worries! I’ve tried mixing extra soy sauce with a bit of hoisin or Worcestershire sauce, and it still tastes fantastic (just taste as you go!).

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

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Perfectly

Set your skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and toss in the lean ground beef. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks to avoid clumps. I like to cook it thoroughly but watch for any remaining pink; once it’s all brown, it’s go-time. This part usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess grease before moving on—that keeps the sauce from getting greasy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce

While the beef is cooking, mix together the beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl or large measuring cup. This is where all the magic happens! Having this ready means you can add it straight to the pan once the beef is browned, saving you precious time.

Step 3: Add Aromatics for Depth

Push the cooked beef to the edges of your pan, creating a little space in the center. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and stir for a minute or two until fragrant—this step really wakes up the whole dish. Just keep an eye so garlic doesn’t burn; stirring constantly helps.

Step 4: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the pan and add the frozen broccoli florets right on top. Stir everything gently to evenly coat the ingredients. Turn the heat up just until it starts boiling, then lower to a simmer. Let the broccoli cook to your preferred tenderness—usually takes about 4-5 minutes, but check the package if you’re using frozen broccoli.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce & Final Touches

Mix cornstarch into cool water to make a slurry, then slowly pour it into your pan while stirring. The sauce should start thickening within a minute or two, becoming silky and clingy. For the final touch, stir in the toasted sesame oil—it adds that lovely, nutty aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving the beef enough room helps it brown better and adds more flavor.
  • Use Low-Sodium Sauces: It’s easier to control salt levels this way, preventing the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Add Broccoli Gradually: If you’re using fresh broccoli, add it a little earlier so it gets perfectly tender without getting mushy.
  • Mix the Cornstarch Well: Make sure there are no lumps before adding to the pan to avoid clumpy 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 personally love sprinkling a few toasted sesame seeds and some chopped green onions on top. It adds a nice fresh crunch and a bit of extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime can also brighten things up.

Side Dishes

This dish goes perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or some simple garlic noodles. Sometimes I even serve it alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad or some quick pickled veggies to add contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried shallots for an extra layer of indulgence. Turning it into lettuce wraps is another fresh, fun way to enjoy the flavors, especially in warmer months.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for up to 3 days. The beef stays tender, and the broccoli holds up surprisingly well.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Just remember that frozen broccoli can get a little softer when thawed, but the flavors remain spot-on.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This way, the beef stays juicy and the broccoli doesn’t get mushy or overcooked.

FAQs

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

    Definitely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully. Just cut it into bite-sized florets and add it a little earlier in the cooking process to ensure it reaches your preferred tenderness. It might take a minute or two longer to cook compared to frozen broccoli.

  2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce if I don’t have any on hand?

    If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can increase the soy sauce to about 3 ½ tablespoons and add 1 ½ tablespoons of honey, then optionally add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hoisin sauce for extra depth. It won’t be exactly the same, but it still creates a delicious and flavorful sauce.

  3. How spicy is this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe?

    The recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s pretty gentle overall. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your heat preference or add more spicy sauces like sriracha if you want it hotter.

  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and even brown the beef ahead of time. Then just finish cooking the broccoli and combine everything when you’re ready. Leftovers also reheat well, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe holds a special spot in my dinner rotation because it’s reliable, tasty, and incredibly quick to pull together. I love how it feels like a takeout favorite but from my own kitchen—and I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do. Grab your skillet, and let’s make dinner delicious and simple tonight!

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15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • 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
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Description

A quick and flavorful 15-minute ground beef and broccoli stir-fry made with a savory sauce of oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, served over rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Thickening and Flavor Enhancements

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: Set a large skillet, sauté pan, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking apart and stirring as the meat cooks.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the beef is cooking, combine the beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl or large measuring cup; set aside.
  3. Add aromatics: After the beef is cooked, push it to the edges of the pan, add the minced garlic and ginger in the center, and stir for a minute or two until fragrant. Drain the grease from the pan.
  4. Cook broccoli and combine: Add the sauce and the broccoli florets to the pan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes or until broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the cool water until dissolved. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan while stirring. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add finishing touches and serve: Stir in toasted sesame oil if using, then serve the ground beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

  • You may use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just cut florets into bite-sized pieces.
  • Other vegetables such as snow peas, shredded carrots, baby corn, or bell peppers can replace some or all of the broccoli; firmer vegetables may need extra simmering time.
  • If fresh ginger is unavailable, jarred or frozen minced ginger works well; ground ginger can be used 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 commonly found in many grocery stores.
  • Oyster sauce can be omitted, but the flavor will be less rich. Possible substitutes: increase soy sauce to 3 ½ tablespoons and honey to 1 ½ tablespoons plus a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or increase soy sauce to 3 ½ tablespoons and add 1 ½ tablespoons hoisin sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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