20-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli: Better Than Takeout!

This quick and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry transforms the classic Chinese takeout favorite into an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes! By swapping traditional sliced beef for ground beef, you’ll enjoy all the authentic flavors without the extra prep work. The rich, savory sauce coats every bite of tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli for a meal that truly rivals your favorite restaurant version. #groundbeefrecipes #betterthantakeout
With this one-pan wonder, you’ll skip the delivery fees and enjoy restaurant-quality Chinese food from the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful but don’t have time for complicated cooking techniques or lengthy marinating times.

Ingredients Overview

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe uses simple ingredients that create big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stir-fry:

• Ground Beef: I recommend using extra-lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize grease. If using regular ground beef, you may want to drain some of the fat after cooking.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the best texture and vibrant color, though frozen will work in a pinch. Don’t throw away the stems – they’re delicious when sliced thinly!
• Aromatics: Fresh minced garlic and ginger create that authentic Chinese flavor base that makes this dish truly special.
• Stir-fry Sauce Ingredients: A perfect balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken stock, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil creates that signature umami-packed sauce.
• Cooking Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
• Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds make excellent finishing touches.

Step-by-Step Process
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry:

1. Step 1
   

   Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken stock, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set aside. Having your sauce ready to go makes the cooking process much smoother.

   
   
2. Step 2
   

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 1 minute to give them a head start. Then add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid to steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.

   
   
3. Step 3
   

   In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it at this point for a leaner dish.

   
   
4. Step 4
   

   Add the minced garlic and ginger to the cooked beef and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This brief cooking releases their flavors without burning these delicate aromatics.

   
   
5. Step 5
   

   Give your sauce mixture one final whisk (as the cornstarch may have settled), then pour it into the pan with the beef. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 minute.

   
   
6. Step 6
   

   Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

   
   

Tips & Tricks
Make your Ground Beef and Broccoli even more delicious with these professional tips:

Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Beef and Broccoli is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Protein Swap: While ground beef is quick and easy, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a plant-based version, try crumbled tofu or a meat alternative.
• Veggie Boost: Add more vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for extra nutrition and texture. Just add them when cooking the broccoli, adjusting the steam time as needed.
• Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce or as a garnish.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped cashews, peanuts, or sliced almonds over the finished dish for added texture and protein.
• Serving Options: While traditionally served over rice, this versatile dish also pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), noodles, or even lettuce cups for a lighter meal.

Storage & Reheating
This Ground Beef and Broccoli makes excellent leftovers with proper storage:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. The texture of the broccoli may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch and portion it with rice into microwave-safe containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add it directly to the pan and reduce the steaming time by about a minute since frozen broccoli is partially cooked.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats well. For the best texture, slightly undercook the broccoli if you know you’ll be reheating it later. You can also prepare the sauce mixture up to 48 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

White rice is traditional, but brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles all work wonderfully. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple side like egg drop soup or a cucumber salad.

My sauce isn’t thickening. What went wrong?

Make sure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in the liquid before adding it to the pan. Also, the sauce needs to come to a simmer to activate the thickening properties of cornstarch. If it’s still too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the pan.

I love making this Ground Beef and Broccoli on busy weeknights when the takeout cravings hit but I don’t want to wait for delivery! There’s something so satisfying about creating those authentic Chinese flavors at home, and I actually think the ground beef makes this version even better than the original. The meat soaks up all that delicious sauce in a way that sliced beef just can’t match. My favorite part? Watching my family dive in like they’re at their favorite restaurant—except I know exactly what went into the meal (no MSG or mystery ingredients!). If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it compares to your usual takeout order! Did you add any special twists or sides to make it your own?