Easy One Pan 15 Minute Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean; can use 85% lean or ground turkey as a substitute)
• 1.5 cups Beef Broth (Low‑sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (Chinese brand, adds umami)
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium; can substitute coconut aminos for soy‑free)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (Raw honey for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Rice Vinegar (Seasoned rice vinegar)
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (If you prefer fresh garlic, increase to 2 cloves)
• 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust for desired heat)
• 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (Minced)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Minced)
• 12 ounces Frozen Broccoli Florets (No need to thaw)
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons Water (For cornstarch slurry)
• 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil (Adds nutty finish; not for high‑heat cooking)
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (White or brown rice, prepared ahead)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (Toasted, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

   In a small bowl whisk together beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

   Time: PT2M

2. Brown the Ground Beef

   Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the 1 lb of lean ground beef, break it up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned, about 3‑4 minutes.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

3. Add Aromatics

   Stir in the minced garlic cloves and minced ginger. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

4. Add Broccoli and Simmer

   Add the 12 oz frozen broccoli florets directly to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, give a quick stir, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid if you have one and simmer for 4‑6 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Simmer

5. Make Cornstarch Slurry

   In a small bowl combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, whisking until smooth.

   Time: PT1M

6. Thicken the Sauce

   Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering pan. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, cooking for about 1‑2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium heat

7. Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish

   Remove the pan from heat. Drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the stir‑fry and stir to combine. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if desired.

   Time: PT1M

8. Serve

   Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over warm cooked rice in a bowl. Enjoy immediately.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

570

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

4 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Lean Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Plant‑based ground meat
• Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
• Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce (less salty), Mushroom soy sauce
• Instead of Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos, Tamari
• Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
• Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
• Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
• Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper
• Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder
• Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
• Instead of Frozen Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli (1 cup), Mixed frozen vegetables
• Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
• Instead of Toasted Sesame Oil: Regular sesame oil
• Instead of Cooked Rice: Quinoa, Cauliflower rice

Equipment Needed

• Cast Iron Skillet or Large Pan
• Small Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Small Bowl
• Lid for Pan (optional)
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Serving Bowl or Plate

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Brown the ground beef until fully cooked and slightly caramelized
• Simmer the broccoli until tender but still bright green
• Add the cornstarch slurry and bring to a boil to achieve a glossy thick sauce
• Do not over‑cook the broccoli after the sauce thickens

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use frozen broccoli for a truly quick cook‑time; it stays crisp and releases less water than fresh.
• High heat at the start creates a nice Maillard flavor on the beef.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for extra aroma before sprinkling.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; texture of broccoli may soften after thawing.

Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the sauce and cornstarch slurry up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
• Cook rice in advance; reheat in microwave with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions