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Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet – Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy 15-minute ground beef and broccoli skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features a balanced, savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, all made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred, frozen works if thawed and patted dry)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving (jasmine or basmati)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, slice the green onions, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl and set aside. In another small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
  2. Toast the sesame seeds (optional but worth it): Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden and smell nutty. Transfer to a small bowl immediately.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Add aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir everything together.
  5. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water to the pan. Cover with a lid and let it steam for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Add the sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat evenly. Let it cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
  8. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

High heat is key for browning the beef and keeping broccoli crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan if doubling the recipe. Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry to adjust seasoning. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. For best results, have all ingredients prepped before starting.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and broccoli, quick dinner, 15-minute meal, weeknight dinner, skillet dinner, beef and broccoli, easy dinner, one-pan meal

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