These Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls are my go-to when I need a satisfying dinner that comes together fast. The savory-sweet sauce coats every bite of juicy beef and crisp-tender broccoli, making it a family favorite.
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Unlike takeout, this homemade version lets you control the sodium and sugar, and it's ready in about half the time. Plus, it's all made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that's both comforting and nutritious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
Lean ground beef keeps the dish from being greasy. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
4 cups (about 1 lb) broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli gives the best texture. Frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Jarred minced garlic is a fine shortcut.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
1/4 cup honey
Honey adds natural sweetness. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be substituted.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Rice vinegar provides mild acidity. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sesame oil gives an authentic Asian flavor. Toasted sesame oil is stronger; use half if substituting.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the sauce. Arrowroot powder or flour can be used, but adjust the amount.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Ground ginger adds warmth. Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon) is even better.
2 cups cooked rice, for serving
White, brown, or cauliflower rice all work. Cook according to package directions.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Toasted sesame seeds are even more flavorful.
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Green onions add freshness. Chives or cilantro are good substitutes.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcook the broccoli
cook just until bright green and tender-crisp to keep its texture and nutrients.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together before you start cooking—so you can add it quickly without scrambling.
- If your skillet gets too dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce before serving.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and ground ginger until smooth. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat 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. The beef should be golden brown with crispy edges.
3. Add Garlic and Broccoli
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the Sauce
Give the sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat (350°F/175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.
5. Simmer and Thicken
Continue to simmer for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce is glossy and thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Serve
Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Delicious Variations
Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Low-Carb
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice.
Add Veggies
Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots with the broccoli.
How to Store Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 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 (350°F/175°C) for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning, as turkey can be drier.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free (it usually is). Serve with rice or quinoa.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions. Add them with the broccoli and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar are good substitutes. Use the same amount, but note that maple syrup has a slightly different flavor.
I hope you enjoy these Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls as much as my family does! If you try them, let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear how it turned out.
Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls
Ground Beef And Broccoli Bowls are a savory, saucy weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes, with tender broccoli and juicy beef over rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 4 cups (about 1 lb) broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Make the Sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and ground ginger until smooth. Set aside.
- 2Brown the Beef — Heat 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. The beef should be golden brown with crispy edges.
- 3Add Garlic and Broccoli — Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- 4Pour in the Sauce — Give the sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat (350°F/175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.
- 5Simmer and Thicken — Continue to simmer for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce is glossy and thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- 6Serve — Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
