Ground beef and broccoli are a perfect pairing—affordable, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a healthier comfort food option, this combo never disappoints. In this article, we’ll walk through 5 ground beef and broccoli recipes that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and family-approved.
From classic stir-fries to cheesy casseroles, these recipes will show you just how many ways you can use ground beef and broccoli together.
Why Ground Beef and Broccoli?
- Affordable and accessible: Ground beef is one of the most budget-friendly proteins, and broccoli is easy to find year-round.
- Healthy balance: Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Combined with protein-packed beef, you get a nutritious, filling meal.
- Endless versatility: You can stir-fry, bake, sauté, or even stuff these two ingredients into pasta and casseroles.
1. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This Asian-inspired stir-fry is perfect for a quick 20-minute dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet and brown ground beef until fully cooked.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli and cook for 4–5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, then add cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Why you’ll love it: It’s fast, flavorful, and healthier than takeout.
2. Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
This hearty casserole is a family favorite—comfort food with a veggie twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed slightly)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef until browned; season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix beef, broccoli, soup, sour cream, and half the cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why you’ll love it: Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying—perfect for family dinners.
3. Ground Beef and Broccoli Pasta Skillet
For pasta lovers, this one-pan recipe is a lifesaver.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add pasta, beef broth, and milk. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Add broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in cheese and Italian seasoning. Serve hot.
Why you’ll love it: A complete meal in one pan, with minimal cleanup.
4. Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowls
A lighter option that’s great for meal prep and balanced eating.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet with garlic until browned.
- Add broccoli and soy sauce, stir-frying until tender.
- Drizzle sesame oil for flavor.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Why you’ll love it: Nutritious, balanced, and perfect for lunch prep.
5. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stuffed Peppers
A creative twist on stuffed peppers with a protein-packed filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef with broccoli, stir in rice, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
- Stuff mixture into bell pepper halves.
- Top with cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Why you’ll love it: A colorful, veggie-packed dinner that looks impressive but is simple to make.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef and Broccoli Together
- Brown beef properly: Always cook beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
- Steam or blanch broccoli: For casseroles and bakes, lightly steam broccoli first to avoid mushiness.
- Add sauces last: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, or cream-based sauces should be added at the end to prevent burning.
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground beef (90/10) or swap for ground turkey.
Variations and Substitutions
- Low-carb option: Skip the rice or pasta and serve stir-fried beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice.
- Add spice: Toss in chili flakes, Sriracha, or hot sauce for a kick.
- Extra veggies: Add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
- Cheese lovers: Add extra mozzarella, cheddar, or even Parmesan to casseroles and skillets.
Final Thoughts on Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipes
These 5 ground beef and broccoli recipes prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make delicious meals. Whether you’re craving a quick stir-fry, cheesy comfort food, or a creative stuffed pepper dish, this combo delivers every time.
If you’re short on time but still want a flavorful dinner that’s budget-friendly and family-approved, ground beef and broccoli should be on your weekly menu rotation.
👉 Try one of these tonight, and you’ll see why this duo never goes out of style!