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Easy 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet

15-minute ground beef and broccoli skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy ground beef and broccoli skillet that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying, flavorful dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred, frozen works if thawed and patted dry)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For serving (optional): cooked white or brown rice, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, toasted sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Wash and cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make slurry. Set everything near the stove.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add ground beef. Break it up and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a brown crust, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 2 more minutes.
  3. Add aromatics: Push beef to one side of skillet. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir together with the beef.
  4. Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Add the sauce and thicken: Pour soy sauce mixture over beef and broccoli. Stir and let it come to a simmer for about 1 minute. Stir cornstarch slurry, then pour into skillet. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if using.

Notes

Get your pan screaming hot for best browning. Pat broccoli dry to avoid steaming. Season beef with a pinch of salt while browning. Have rice ready before starting. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, quick dinner, 15-minute meal, weeknight dinner, stir-fry, easy recipe

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-15-minute-ground-beef-and-broccoli-skillet/