This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory garlic ginger sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect served over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Korean Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or 1 tablespoon honey)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Red pepper flakes (if using)

Set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the broccoli and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.

Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles until browned.

Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the broccoli (and carrots, if using) to the skillet.

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well.

Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately over:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Rice noodles
• Quinoa

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Kimchi
• Cucumber salad
• Steamed edamame
• Stir-fried bok choy
• Asian slaw
• Miso soup

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
• Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor.
• Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease.
• For extra vegetables, add mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
• Adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Nut Information

Naturally Free From

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts)

Potential Nut Concerns

Check labels on:

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Seasoning blends

While sesame is a seed—not a tree nut or peanut—it is a common allergen in some regions. If serving someone with a sesame allergy, omit the sesame oil and sesame seeds and substitute a neutral cooking oil.

Some packaged ingredients may also be processed in facilities that handle nuts.

Nut-Free Preparation Tips

• Use certified nut-free soy sauce and other packaged ingredients if needed.
• Replace sesame oil with avocado or olive oil for those avoiding sesame.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using clean utensils and cookware.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean substitutes and work well with the Korean-style sauce.

Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure the cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain it well before cooking, or cook it directly from frozen for a few extra minutes until crisp-tender.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep lunches and dinners.

What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, baby corn, bok choy, and shredded carrots all pair well with the Korean flavors.