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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl

one-pan ground beef and broccoli rice bowl - featured image

A quick, wholesome, and satisfying one-pan meal combining ground beef, broccoli, and rice with savory garlic and soy sauce flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or jasmine rice
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (can substitute water)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch (about 30 seconds).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary, keeping a little for flavor.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and toast it with the beef for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Spread the broccoli florets evenly over the rice mixture without stirring them in. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Check the rice and broccoli after 15 minutes. If rice is still firm, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes. If excess liquid remains, remove the lid and cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate.
  7. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the broccoli. Adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to prevent gumminess. Keep heat medium-low after boiling to avoid burning rice. Steam broccoli on top without stirring to keep texture and color. Adjust broth amount if rice gets mushy. Use foil with holes if lid is unavailable. Variations include swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken, using cauliflower rice for low-carb, or tofu/lentils for vegetarian. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ground beef, broccoli, rice bowl, quick dinner, healthy meal, easy recipe, weeknight meal, meal prep