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Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet Recipe (Easy 20-Minute Meal)

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This quick and easy ground beef and broccoli skillet is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce and simple ingredients, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 3 cups (about 1 large head) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (honey or maple syrup work too)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice (for serving)
  • Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set aside. In another tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set that aside too.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t stir it constantly—let it sit for a minute to get a good sear. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Spread them out in a single layer if possible. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get some char. Then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to coat. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. You’ll see the sauce go from watery to glossy and thick.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately over hot rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking broccoli to avoid steaming. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a glossy, thick sauce. Taste as you go, as soy sauce brands vary in saltiness. For best results, use a large skillet to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, broccoli, skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan, stir-fry, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/best-ground-beef-and-broccoli-skillet-recipe-easy-20-minute-meal/