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Easy Beef and Broccoli

Microwave Beef and Broccoli cooked in an Anyday dish—tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a savory, garlicky sauce for an easy, flavorful meal made in minutes.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

4-5 mins

Free Time

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Easy Beef and Broccoli

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This easy version of the classic Beef and Broccoli is here to prove that takeout doesn't need to take out a bunch of your time. Made entirely in an Anyday dish, lean ground beef gets a flavorful boost from garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and stir-fry sauce. Meanwhile, fresh (or frozen) broccoli steams to vibrant, tender perfection right on top. Serve it over fresh white rice, drizzle on some extra chili crunch, and boom: a savory, slightly spicy meal that’s ready in minutes and absolutely crushes your takeout cravings. Who needs delivery when the microwave can do this?

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 4 oz (115g) lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • ⅛ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons stir fry sauce (such as Kikkoman stir fry sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons chili crunch, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup (60g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • Sliced scallions (optional)
  • White rice, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Combine the beef, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chili flakes, water, cornstarch, stir fry sauce, and chili crunch in an Anyday dish and mix well.
  2. Place the broccoli florets on top of the beef and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the broccoli is tender and bright green.
  4. Stir the beef and broccoli. Top with scallions and serve with fresh white rice.

Suggestions

  • Over steamed rice: Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice to absorb the savory sauce.
  • With noodles: Toss the beef and broccoli with ramen or soba for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl.
  • Topped with a poached egg: For added richness, top the beef and broccoli with a poached egg for extra creaminess.
  • Go plant-based: Swap the beef with grated extra firm tofu for a light, protein-packed alternative that soaks up all the savory goodness.
  • Discover more take-out-inspired recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • Mixing the meat with all the ingredients ensures maximum flavor and helps prevent the meat from clumping.
  • You can use other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower, spinach, or eggplant.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Easy Beef and Broccoli in the Microwave

What is Beef and Broccoli?

Beef and Broccoli is a classic takeout favorite known for its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory soy-based sauce. In this shortcut version, we swap strips of beef for ground meat and cook it with broccoli in a savory sauce. This recipe captures the bold, comforting flavors of the iconic dish while offering a quick, microwave-friendly method to make on a weeknight.

Can I make Beef and Broccoli in the microwave?

Yes! Use an Anyday dish to cook ground beef and broccoli perfectly in the microwave. The silicone-lined lid locks in moisture and flavor, ensures even cooking and eliminates the need for a stovetop.

Why do you mix the ground beef with seasonings before cooking?

It's important to mix the ground beef with seasonings before microwaving to prevent the meat from clumping together and infuse the beef with the sauce. This method keeps the beef tender and loose, cooking evenly with the broccoli for a flavor-packed dish.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh! There’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Add the frozen florets directly to the Anyday dish and cook according to the recipe instructions. Discover more broccoli recipes by exploring our collection here!

Why is cornstarch used in the sauce?

In this shortcut version, cornstarch acts as a quick thickening agent for the Beef and Broccoli sauce.  The Anyday Dish is highly efficient at locking in steam, which is great for capturing moisture and flavor, but prevents sauces from naturally reducing as they would on a stovetop. Adding cornstarch ensures that the sauce is thick and coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.

How do I store leftover Beef and Broccoli?

Once cooled, cover the Anyday dish with the lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the dish fresh and ready for a quick reheat.

Can I freeze leftover Beef and Broccoli?

Yes, Beef and Broccoli freeze well! Once cooled, portion it into our Anytime Freezer Trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick, flavorful meal.

What’s the best way to reheat Beef and Broccoli?

To reheat from the fridge, place the Beef and Broccoli in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, place the frozen portion directly into an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For more tips on freezing and reheating food, check out our blog on How to Freeze and Reheat Food in the Microwave.

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