One Pan Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This One Pan Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it comes together in about 40 minutes and serves four. The dish features a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors enhanced by ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef (85/15)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 12 oz broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white/light green parts separated from dark green for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger or ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prep the ground beef. In a small bowl, sprinkle the ground beef with kosher salt, ground white pepper, and baking soda. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Allow the beef to rest for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness.
- Cut the green onions. Separate the white and light green parts of the scallions and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Thinly slice the dark green parts and set them aside for garnish.
- Make the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and warm water until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and whisk until completely smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
- Brown the beef. Heat a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add olive oil and coat the pan surface well. Break the beef into chunky pieces rather than finely ground bits and place in the pan. Let cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown on one side, then flip and cook an additional 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl, discarding all but about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the broccoli and onion. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown. Add chopped onion, sliced garlic, and the white/light green scallion pieces. Stir frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens slightly.
- Add the sauce and combine. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the sliced dark green scallion parts and sesame seeds over the dish. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Letting the beef rest with baking soda and salt helps tenderize the meat for juicier bites.
- Use a high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce for the best flavor.
- Cut broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- Serve immediately to maintain broccoli’s crisp texture.
- Can be served with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
