Easy ground beef & broccoli

Easy ground beef & broccoli is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 310 calories per serving. Recipe by My Protein Pantry on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $7.92 total, $1.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, broken up)
  • 3 cups Broccoli Florets (Fresh, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (Adds umami depth)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Mixed with water to slurry)
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (High‑heat oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Drizzled at end for aroma)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for heat)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables and Aromatics

    Wash the broccoli and cut into bite‑size florets. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside in separate small bowls.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Sauce Slurry

    In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Brown the Ground Beef

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: High heat

  4. Add Garlic and Ginger

    Add the minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef and stir‑fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: High heat

  5. Combine Broccoli and Sauce

    Add the broccoli florets to the pan, then pour the sauce slurry over everything. Stir to coat, then cover the pan and let steam for 4‑5 minutes until the broccoli is crisp‑tender.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  6. Finish and Serve

    Remove the lid, drizzle sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using), give a final toss, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
310
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free if using tamari, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy ground beef & broccoli

Recipe by My Protein Pantry

A quick, protein‑packed Chinese‑style stir‑fry that uses ground beef instead of strips for minimal prep and maximum flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish combines tender browned beef, crisp‑tender broccoli, and a savory soy‑oyster sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a satisfying Asian‑inspired meal.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.92
Total cost
$1.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the ground beef until all moisture evaporates
  • Ensuring the sauce slurry is smooth before adding to the pan
  • Steaming the broccoli just enough to stay crisp‑tender

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Be careful when handling the hot skillet lid; steam can cause burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef and Broccoli in Chinese cuisine?

A

Beef and broccoli is an American‑Chinese staple that emerged in the early 20th century when Chinese immigrants adapted traditional stir‑fry techniques to locally available ingredients like broccoli, which was not common in China. It represents the fusion of Chinese cooking methods with Western vegetables, becoming a beloved comfort dish in the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Beef and Broccoli in Chinese-American cuisine?

A

In some regions, the dish uses sliced flank steak instead of ground beef and may include oyster sauce, ginger, and a touch of sugar. Variations can also feature bok choy or Chinese broccoli (gai lan) instead of Western broccoli, and some recipes add Shaoxing wine for depth.

cultural
Q

How is Beef and Broccoli traditionally served in Chinese-American restaurants?

A

It is typically served hot over a bed of steamed white rice, sometimes accompanied by a side of fried rice or lo mein. The sauce is glossy and coats each piece, and the broccoli remains bright green and crisp‑tender.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Beef and Broccoli traditionally associated with in Chinese-American culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, Beef and Broccoli is a popular family‑style dish for weeknight meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings because it is quick, inexpensive, and appeals to both adults and children.

cultural
Q

What makes this Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir‑Fry special compared to traditional sliced‑beef versions?

A

Using ground beef eliminates the need for slicing and marinating, drastically cutting prep time while still delivering the savory umami flavor. The fine texture also absorbs the sauce quickly, making each bite richly seasoned.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir‑Fry?

A

Common errors include overcooking the broccoli, which turns mushy, and adding the sauce before the beef has released all its moisture, resulting in a watery dish. Also, using low heat prevents the sauce from thickening properly.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cornstarch slurry instead of simply adding more soy sauce?

A

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy, clingy texture that coats the beef and broccoli. Adding more soy sauce would increase saltiness without improving texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and brown the beef up to 24 hours in advance, storing each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the beef, add fresh broccoli, and finish with the sauce for a quick meal.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir‑Fry is done?

A

The beef should be fully browned with no pink, the broccoli should be bright green and still have a slight crunch, and the sauce should be glossy, coating the ingredients without pooling excessively.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel My Protein Pantry specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel My Protein Pantry focuses on high‑protein, budget‑friendly meals that are quick to prepare, often featuring ground meats, legumes, and pantry staples to help viewers meet fitness and nutrition goals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel My Protein Pantry's approach to Chinese‑style cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

My Protein Pantry emphasizes protein density and simplicity, using ground beef instead of traditional cuts to streamline Chinese‑style stir‑fries, whereas many Asian cooking channels prioritize authentic techniques and ingredient authenticity over speed and protein content.

channel

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