Learn how to make delicious ground beef broccoli recipe. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Author:Jenny
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Cooking
Cuisine:International
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef (80% lean for best flavor; substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched until bright green and tender-crisp)
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but adds a lovely warmth)
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for richness; use hoisin sauce for a sweeter twist)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (can use olive oil if unavailable)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey (balances the savory flavors)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil (for cooking)
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so they don’t burn. This step reminds me of those afternoons in Mama Lu’s kitchen when the smell of garlic would draw us close.
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, letting the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes so it thickens slightly and coats the beef beautifully.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir quickly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening to a silky finish—Mama Lu always said a good sauce was the heart of any dish.
Toss in the steamed broccoli florets and stir gently to coat them with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through but still has a bit of crunch. This balance of textures is what makes the dish sing.
Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil for a fragrant finish.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. It’s those little touches that bring a dish full circle, just like the stories Mama Lu shared at the dinner table.