Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe: 30-Minute Easy One-Pan Dinner

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe nights are for when you want dinner fast, but you still want it to taste like you tried. You want something healthier than takeout, but after a long day the last thing you want is a mountain of dishes.

Jump to Recipe

This easy dinner recipe gets you fed in about 30 minutes. It’s a true one-skillet situation: brown the beef, crisp-tender the broccoli, then toss everything in a savory sauce that tastes like it took way more effort than it did.

When your schedule is packed, the best meals are the ones that don’t require a second wind. This one keeps prep simple, uses everyday ingredients, and still feels like a “real dinner,” not a compromise.

It’s also a smart option for families on the go. You get protein, veggies, and bold flavor without babysitting the stove or cleaning three pans afterward.

And that broccoli + beef combo? It works because the beef browns fast (hello flavor) while the broccoli stays bright and snappy instead of sad and mushy—if you cook it the right way.

Key Takeaways

• Quick preparation takes under thirty minutes.
• One skillet reduces cleaning time significantly.
• High protein levels support your daily energy.
• Fresh vegetables offer vital nutrients for health.
• Simple steps fit into any busy life.
• Savory flavors please both adults plus kids.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Dinner

When it comes to quick dinner ideas, few dishes hit the sweet spot like a hearty one-pan ground beef and broccoli recipe. It’s fast, filling, and tastes way better than it has any right to for a weeknight meal.

Quick and Convenient

This is built for busy evenings. You can prep and cook it in about 30 minutes, and the one-pan method keeps things simple. The real trick is sequence: brown the beef first so you get those flavorful bits on the pan, then cook the broccoli just enough so it stays tender-crisp.

If you like beef dinners that are all about timing and doneness, you’ll probably enjoy our perfect beef cooking times guide for cookouts and grill nights.

Here are a few reasons why this recipe is considered quick and convenient:

• Fast preparation: Chop the broccoli, onion, and garlic, and you’re ready to start cooking.
• One-pan cooking: Everything is cooked in a single pan, reducing cleanup and cooking time.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Another major win with this ground beef and broccoli recipe is cost. Ground beef is one of the most budget-friendly proteins, broccoli is widely available year-round, and the sauce leans on pantry staples. It’s the kind of meal that feels generous without running your grocery bill up.

Some budget-friendly tips for this recipe include:

• Buying ground beef in bulk to save money.
• Using frozen broccoli as a cost-effective alternative to fresh.
• Utilizing pantry staples like soy sauce and olive oil that you likely already have.

Family-Approved Flavor

The flavor profile is savory with a gentle sweetness and a warm, nutty finish from sesame oil. Browning the beef matters here—high heat creates deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction, which is what gives you those deeply browned, tasty bits. Then the sauce clings to every bite, so it doesn’t feel dry or boring.

As one satisfied home cook noted,

“This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. My family loves it, and it’s so easy to make!”

The consensus is clear: this one-pan ground beef and broccoli recipe is a winner for its taste, ease, and convenience.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

To make a great Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe, the “secret” is simple: get real browning on the beef, then protect the broccoli from overcooking. Think tender-crisp, bright green, and still a little bite—because mushy broccoli will take the whole dish down with it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Main Dish

The full ingredient list and exact amounts are in the recipe card below. A quick rule of thumb: choose lean ground beef so the sauce stays glossy instead of greasy, and cut broccoli into similar-size florets so they cook evenly.

For the Sauce

The sauce is simple, but it’s doing a lot of work. Soy sauce brings salt and umami, sesame oil adds that toasted aroma, and oyster sauce (optional) gives a deeper, restaurant-style finish. If you’ve ever wondered why stir-fry tastes “complete,” it’s usually the umami balance at play—more on umami.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping everything first. Chop the broccoli into florets and mince the garlic. If the florets are huge, split them down—big pieces stay raw in the center while the outside goes soft.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Give it a minute of quiet time early on so it actually browns instead of steaming—those caramelized bits are where the flavor lives.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Once the beef is browned, add the broccoli florets. Stir to coat them in the beef and pan juices. If the pan looks too dry or the broccoli starts to scorch, add a small splash of water and cover for 60–90 seconds to steam it lightly, then uncover and keep cooking.

Step 4: Make and Add the Sauce

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, then pour over the beef and broccoli. Stir well so everything gets coated. Keep the heat up just enough to reduce slightly—this is what makes the sauce cling instead of pooling at the bottom.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Cook until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Taste before salting—soy sauce brands vary a lot. Finish with black pepper and a tiny drizzle of sesame oil if you want that extra toasted aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles. For a lighter bowl, cauliflower rice works great—our low-carb beef bowl idea is another fun option when you want the same comfort with a different vibe. This is also a solid meal-prep option—portion it into containers and you’ve got lunches handled.

“The simplest dishes are often the most satisfying.”

This ground beef and broccoli recipe is a perfect example of that.

Conclusion

You now have a delicious easy dinner recipe that’s on the table in about 30 minutes. This one-pan dinner is perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting, flavorful, and fast—with ground beef and broccoli doing the heavy lifting.

Because it’s cooked in one skillet, cleanup stays easy and the flavors stay concentrated. If you want another low-effort dinner to rotate in, try this slow cooker chicken option on days when you’d rather let the appliance do the work.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal that works any night of the week.

FAQ

What is the best type of ground beef to use for this recipe?

Go with lean ground beef (around 90/10 or 93/7) so the dish stays flavorful without turning greasy. If you’re using a higher-fat blend, drain most of the fat after browning so the sauce stays light and coats instead of pooling.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh florets?

Yes. Frozen broccoli works great for speed. Add it straight to the pan and expect it to need an extra 2–3 minutes. If it releases a lot of water, keep the heat a bit higher at the end so the sauce doesn’t get diluted.

How can I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe keto-friendly?

Serve it over cauliflower rice and keep any sweet add-ins out of the sauce. If you want a thicker finish, use a tiny pinch of xanthan gum instead of cornstarch and whisk it in gradually to avoid clumps.

Is this recipe suitable for weekly meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge, and the flavors deepen after a night of resting. Reheat gently and add a small splash of water if you want to loosen the sauce back up.

What can I use as a substitute for soy sauce if I have a gluten allergy?

Use tamari for a gluten-free swap, or choose coconut aminos if you prefer a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. Both work well with garlic and sesame oil.

Can I add other vegetables to this one-pan dinner?

Definitely. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, snap peas, or sliced mushrooms all fit right in. Add quick-cooking veggies with the broccoli, and add softer ones (like mushrooms) a minute earlier so they don’t steam the pan too much.