20 Ground Beef and Broccoli Dinners to Love — a simple, savory and better than takeout collection you can make tonight. Below are our favorite ground beef and broccoli ideas for busy weeknights, from quick classics to fresh twists, each easy to make and easy to save.
Part of our Takeout-Style Dinners collection.
Start with flank steak, broccoli florets, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, cornstarch and sesame oil. From there, each idea below is a simple swap or add-in — mix and match to suit your taste and what's in your kitchen.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
All the savory, garlicky flavor of classic beef and broccoli made in one skillet with budget-friendly ground beef and crisp-tender florets.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Set this sauce aside.
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes, just until bright green. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking, then set aside. (The broccoli should still be firm; it will finish cooking in the skillet.)
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.
Cook the beef for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it is browned with no pink remaining and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. If there is more than about a tablespoon of grease, carefully spoon off the excess.
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the empty side. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant, then mix into the beef.
Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and toss with the beef for 1 minute to combine and warm through.
Give the sauce a quick re-whisk, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir constantly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and thickens enough to coat everything in a glossy glaze.
Remove from the heat. Taste and adjust with a splash more soy sauce if you like it saltier. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice.
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with brands, substitutions and portion size.
This is the weeknight version everyone loves, with browned ground beef and crisp broccoli tossed in a glossy soy-garlic sauce. It comes together in one skillet in about 20 minutes, making it faster than takeout. For the best texture, add the broccoli while it still has a little bite so it stays bright green.
A little honey balances the salty soy sauce here, giving the beef a sticky, lightly sweet glaze that clings to every floret. It is the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters at the table. Finish with a scatter of sesame seeds and sliced green onion for a pretty, restaurant-worthy look.
Sweet-savory teriyaki sauce turns simple ground beef and broccoli into a satisfying rice bowl loaded with flavor. Building it in bowls over fluffy rice makes portioning easy and keeps everyone happy. Drizzle a little extra teriyaki on top and add a fried egg for a heartier meal.
For heat lovers, this version leans on chili paste, garlic, and a pinch of Szechuan peppercorn for a tingly, warming kick. The bold sauce coats the beef and broccoli so every bite has punch. Dial the spice up or down by adjusting the chili paste to suit your crowd.
Turn last night's rice into a full meal by stir-frying it with seasoned ground beef, chopped broccoli, and scrambled egg. It is a smart way to stretch a pound of beef and clear out the fridge at the same time. Use cold, day-old rice so the grains stay separate and lightly crisp.
This comforting baked dish layers seasoned beef, tender broccoli, and rice under a blanket of melty cheddar. It is a true one-pan family dinner that reheats beautifully for lunches. Add a sprinkle of crushed crackers or panko on top for a crunchy golden finish.
Quick ramen noodles get an upgrade with savory ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a garlicky soy broth. It is cozy, slurpable, and ready in the time it takes the noodles to soften. Skip the seasoning packet and build your own broth with soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil.
Skip the rice and let the beef and broccoli shine in this satisfying, protein-packed skillet. A splash of coconut aminos keeps it flavorful while staying grain-free and keto-friendly. Serve over cauliflower rice if you still want something to soak up the sauce.
Bell pepper halves become edible bowls for a savory mix of ground beef, chopped broccoli, and rice. They look impressive but are simple to assemble and bake ahead. Top with shredded cheese in the last few minutes so it melts into a gooey lid.
Fresh ginger and plenty of scallions give this stir-fry a bright, aromatic lift that feels light yet deeply savory. It is proof that a few fresh ingredients can transform a humble pound of beef. Add the scallions in two stages, some early for depth and some at the end for freshness.
All the flavor of an egg roll without the wrapper, this bowl combines ground beef, shredded broccoli slaw, and a punchy soy-ginger sauce. It is fast, low-effort, and naturally lighter than the fried original. A drizzle of sriracha mayo on top takes it right over the edge.
This Italian-leaning twist tosses browned beef and steamed broccoli into a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce over pasta. It is rich, filling, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on busy nights. Reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce so it coats every noodle.
Hand-rolled beef meatballs roast alongside broccoli florets on one sheet pan for an easy, hands-off dinner. Everything caramelizes in the oven while you set the table. Brush the meatballs with a soy-honey glaze halfway through for extra shine and flavor.
Seasoned beef and finely chopped broccoli get folded into tortillas with plenty of melty cheese for a crispy, handheld dinner. They are a sneaky way to get greens into kids who claim they do not like vegetables. Serve with salsa or a cool dollop of sour cream for dipping.
Rich, savory oyster sauce gives this stir-fry that deep, glossy restaurant flavor you crave. It clings to the beef and broccoli beautifully and needs very few other ingredients. A quick cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce so it coats rather than pools in the pan.
This comforting bake tucks savory beef and broccoli under a fluffy mashed potato crust for a cozy dinner. It is a clever way to sneak vegetables into a family favorite. Rough up the potato top with a fork before baking so the edges crisp and brown.
Fragrant Thai basil, fish sauce, and a touch of chili bring bright, punchy flavor to this quick stir-fry. The basil wilts into the hot beef and releases its sweet, peppery aroma. Toss the basil in right at the end so it stays fresh and vibrant, not soggy.
Tender noodles, savory ground beef, and crisp broccoli come together in one skillet with a garlicky brown sauce. It is a complete meal that only dirties a single pan. Swap in whatever long noodles you have, from spaghetti to lo mein, and it still works beautifully.
Let the slow cooker do the work with seasoned beef simmering in a savory sauce, adding the broccoli near the end so it stays tender-crisp. It is perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you. Stir in the broccoli during the last 30 minutes so it does not turn mushy.
Warm tortillas get piled with savory beef, crisp broccoli, and a swipe of garlic sauce for a portable, no-fuss dinner. They are great for lunchboxes or eating on the go. Add shredded carrots or a handful of slaw for extra crunch and color inside the wrap.
Beef and Broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein or egg rolls. Round out the table with ideas from our other collections for an easy, crowd-pleasing spread.
Try it alongside 25 Easy Baked Ziti Recipes for Cozy Dinners or 25 Cozy Chicken Spaghetti Recipes for Dinner.
Yes. Most beef and broccoli in this list can be assembled or fully prepped ahead, then covered and refrigerated. Bake or reheat just before serving so everything tastes fresh.
Cool beef and broccoli completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave or air fryer until warmed through.
Many of these beef and broccoli freeze well. Wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat until hot in the center.
Beef and Broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein or egg rolls. Mix and match to build a full meal or a simple spread depending on the occasion.
Skim the 20 ideas above and choose by time, skill level and what's in your kitchen. Start with the simplest one, then work up to the more loaded, dressed-up versions.
Save this roundup to Pinterest so your next easy meal is always one click away.
Save to Pinterest