These Ground Beef and Broccoli Bowls are the ultimate quick-fix dinner. They bring the takeout flavor you crave right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes, using simple pantry staples.
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The savory-sweet sauce coats every bite of tender beef and vibrant broccoli, while the garlic and ginger add a fragrant kick. Serve over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)
Lean ground beef cooks quickly and doesn't need draining. For a richer flavor, use 80/20 and drain excess fat.
4 cups (about 1 lb) broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch. Frozen works in a pinch; thaw and pat dry before cooking.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Low-sodium lets you control the salt. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free swaps.
1/4 cup honey
Adds sweetness and helps the sauce glaze. Maple syrup or brown sugar are easy substitutes.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is key. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty flavor. Ground ginger (1/2 tsp) is a substitute, but fresh is better.
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Thickens the sauce. Arrowroot powder or flour (use 3 tbsp) can be used instead.
1/4 cup water
Used to make the cornstarch slurry.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For cooking. Use avocado, canola, or any neutral oil.
4 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Jasmine or basmati rice work well. Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a touch of heat. Omit for a milder dish.
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Adds freshness and color. Chives or sesame seeds are nice alternatives.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcook the broccoli
Cook it just until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes, to retain its crunch and nutrients.
Avoid a watery sauce
Make sure your cornstarch slurry is well mixed and add it while the sauce is simmering, stirring constantly until it thickens.
Season the beef
Don't forget to season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while browning for deeper flavor.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the rice
Start your rice according to package directions. Keep it warm while you prepare the beef and broccoli.
2. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. Brown the beef
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. Steam the broccoli
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and broccoli. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
5. Combine and simmer
Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
6. Serve
Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice.
Vegetarian
Swap ground beef for crumbled firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
How to Store Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly. Use a little oil to prevent sticking and cook until fully browned.
Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free (it usually is).
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions. Just adjust cooking times so they stay crisp.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the simmering sauce until thickened.
If you loved this easy weeknight dinner, please leave a 5-star rating and share your favorite variation in the comments below!
Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls
Juicy ground beef and crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, served over fluffy rice. A quick, healthy weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)
- 4 cups (about 1 lb) broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Cook the rice — Start your rice according to package directions. Keep it warm while you prepare the beef and broccoli.
- 2Make the sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- 3Brown the beef — Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- 4Steam the broccoli — In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and broccoli. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 5Combine and simmer — Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
- 6Serve — Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
