Fast Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
A fast skillet dinner featuring tender broccoli, savory beef, and a glossy sauce—ready in just half an hour and perfect over a bowl of warm rice.
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Servings: 4
Notes
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (vegetable or olive oil may be substituted)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/white pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1–2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice, any variety
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce Components
In a small container with a lid, shake together the cornstarch and cold water until fully blended. Store in a cool place until needed. In a separate medium bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside. You can stir in the second tablespoon of honey at the end if you prefer a sweeter finish.2. Cook the Broccoli
Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and toss to coat. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, just until it begins to soften but still has some bite. Transfer to a plate and reserve.3. Brown the Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and/or white pepper if desired. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef with the diced onion. Break the meat apart as it cooks and continue until browned and fully done. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the sliced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.4. Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a boil and allow it to simmer and reduce for 2–3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then gradually stir it into the simmering sauce. Let the mixture bubble gently until it thickens to your liking.5. Finish the Dish
Lower the heat to low. Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Garnish with green onions if desired and spoon over cooked rice to serve.Notes & Variations
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Frozen broccoli works as well—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Optional add-ins: julienned carrots, sliced celery, kale, water chestnuts, and more.
- Topping ideas: chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, sliced almonds, or green onions.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and/or reduced-sodium broth. Salt levels can vary by brand.
How to Cook Flavorful Rice (Yields 3 Cups)
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. (For extra flavor, add 2 chicken bouillon cubes.)
- Stir in 1 cup white long grain rice and return to a boil.
- Cover tightly and reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing.