20 Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli - Unbelievable

Ingredients

• 0.33 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium, preferably homemade or store‑bought)
• 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
• 2 tablespoon Honey (preferably raw)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted, adds nutty aroma)
• 1.5 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoon Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 cup Broccoli Florets (fresh, cut into bite‑size pieces)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for stir‑frying)
• 1 pound Ground Beef (medium‑fat (80/20) for flavor and juiciness)
• 1 small Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
• 4 clove Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (mix of white and black, for garnish)
• 2 cup Cooked Rice (steamed white or jasmine rice, served hot)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

   In a mixing bowl whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the bowl aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Blanch the Broccoli

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2‑3 minutes until bright green. Drain in a colander and optionally shock in ice water to stop cooking.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: boiling

3. Brown the Ground Beef

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned (about 5 minutes).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium-high

4. Sauté Onion and Garlic

   Push the browned beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty space and sauté for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant. Then mix everything together.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium-high

5. Combine Sauce, Broccoli, and Simmer

   Give the prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the beef mixture. Add the blanched broccoli, toss to coat, and reduce heat to medium. Let it simmer for 4‑5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is heated through.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

6. Garnish and Serve

   Sprinkle the mixed white and black sesame seeds over the stir‑fry. Serve immediately over hot steamed rice.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

3 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
• Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
• Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
• Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less flavor), Vegetable oil
• Instead of Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour, Arrowroot powder
• Instead of Broccoli Florets: Snow peas, Green beans
• Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
• Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
• Instead of Onion: Shallot, Green onion (white part)
• Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Instead of Sesame Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds
• Instead of Cooked Rice: Brown rice, Quinoa

Equipment Needed

• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Colander
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Make and whisk the sauce until smooth.
• Blanch broccoli just enough to stay crisp and green.
• Brown the ground beef fully for flavor.
• Simmer with sauce until it thickens and coats everything.
• Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use a high‑heat wok for a true stir‑fry sear.
• Add garlic last to prevent bitterness.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly for a deeper nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting

Storage

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

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 2 months; reheat gently.

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

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate; give it a quick whisk before using.
• Blanched broccoli can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Cooked rice can be made earlier and reheated with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions