When time is tight and hunger strikes, there’s nothing better than a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Enter this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe — a delicious fusion of bold, sweet, and savory flavors that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.
This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Inspired by Korean bulgogi flavors, this ground beef version cuts down on prep without compromising on taste. Plus, with vibrant green broccoli and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a complete meal when served over a bowl of warm rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
✅ Flavorful – The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a deep, umami-packed flavor.
✅ Family-Friendly – Mild enough for kids, but can be spiced up with red pepper flakes for adults.
✅ Customizable – Add red bell pepper, carrots, or even swap broccoli for another veggie you love.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients and stretches ground beef into a full meal.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (16 oz)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in no time:
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s nicely browned — about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off.
2️⃣ Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute, letting the aromatics bloom and become fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this savory-sweet mixture over the beef. Stir well to ensure every bite is coated with flavor.
4️⃣ Add Vegetables
Toss in the broccoli florets and optional red bell pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and just tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of color and texture. Serve hot over a generous helping of cooked rice.
🍽 Pro Tips & Variations
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a keto-friendly version.
- Add a Fried Egg: Top each bowl with a sunny-side-up egg for an extra layer of richness.
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
- Amp the Veggies: Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini make great additions if you want to sneak in more greens.
⏱ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
📝 Final Thoughts
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the definition of a “keeper” – it’s quick, full of flavor, and makes for excellent leftovers (if you have any!). Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish has you covered.
Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe or pin it for later — once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy every savory, spicy, and satisfying bite!