Ground Beef And Broccoli Rice Bowl

Name: Ground Beef And Broccoli Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Essentials

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl for a quick and satisfying dinner. It combines tender ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in one delicious dish. The savory flavors of soy sauce and garlic meld beautifully to create a comforting meal that my family devours. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it's a perfect option for busy weeknights. This recipe not only fills our bellies but also brings us together at the table, making for a delightful family experience.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:46:37.080Z

When I first tried this Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl, I was blown away by how simply the ingredients transformed into something so delightful. The combination of fresh broccoli and seasoned ground beef creates a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. One specifically amazing tip I learned was to blanch the broccoli briefly before adding it to the beef. This step not only ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant color but also enhances its crunchiness in the dish.

Additionally, I experimented by adjusting the soy sauce and garlic amounts to suit our family's taste, which made a huge difference. My kids love it when I add a dash of sesame oil at the end; it adds an aromatic layer of flavor that really brings the bowl together. It's now a staple in our weekly meal rotation because it’s so easy to prepare and utterly delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
Savory blend of beef and broccoli with a hint of garlic and soy sauce
One-pot dish means less cleanup and more family time

Ingredient Insights

The choice of jasmine rice in this dish enhances the overall fragrance and flavor profile. It has a wonderful texture that pairs perfectly with the tender ground beef and broccoli. If you're looking for a substitute, basmati rice can work as well, but adjust the cooking time slightly as it may require less liquid and cooking time due to its fineness.

Ground beef is the star in this dish, providing a rich, hearty flavor. However, you can easily swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier, so consider adding an extra splash of soy sauce or a bit of broth to keep the mixture moist.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the broccoli is a crucial step for preserving its vibrant color and crisp texture. By boiling it for just two minutes, you not only firm it up but also maximize its nutrient retention before finishing the cooking process in the skillet. If you prefer your broccoli a bit softer, you might extend the blanching time to three minutes but avoid overcooking to keep its bright green hue.

When cooking the ground beef, don’t rush the browning process. Cook it over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, ideally for about 5-7 minutes. This caramelization adds depth to the flavor which enhances the overall dish. If you notice the meat sticking to the skillet, a hint of water or low-sodium beef broth can help deglaze the pan and incorporate all those wonderful brown bits.

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 lb ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of jasmine rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

Prepare the Broccoli

While the rice cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the blanched broccoli, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and divide it among bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture, and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking. Feel free to substitute the ground beef with turkey or tofu for a lighter version. This dish can also be made in advance and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl is excellent for meal prepping! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop while adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave under a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Assemble the beef and broccoli mixture separately from rice, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat until warmed through, adding fresh green onions to brighten the dish.

Serving Suggestions

To change things up, serve your rice bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This will add a wonderful texture while soaking up the flavor of the beef and sauce, making it an excellent choice for those watching their carb intake.

Consider adding additional vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking the beef. Not only will this increase the nutritional value, but it also adds color and crunch, enhancing the dish's visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and broccoli ahead of time. Just reheat and serve over fresh rice.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice will require a longer cooking time.