What to Make With Ground Pork and Broccoli Tonight

A simple, satisfying combination that works across cuisines and cooking styles.

Ground pork and broccoli are a surprisingly versatile pair. The mild, slightly sweet pork takes on whatever flavors you give it, while broccoli adds texture and earthiness without demanding center stage. Whether you're in the mood for something quick and light or more substantial, these two ingredients form the backbone of meals that feel both homey and intentional.

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Ground Pork and Vegetable Skillet

Total Time: 25 minutes • Serves: 4

A hearty one-pan meal with seasoned ground pork, tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and tomatoes in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork
2 medium potatoes, diced
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup water or broth

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
Add ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced potatoes and water/broth. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
Add broccoli florets and diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and potatoes are fully cooked. Serve hot.

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Quick Variations

Lighter Option

Build around roasted broccoli with ground pork seasoned simply—garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce. Skip heavy starches or use cauliflower rice alongside boiled potatoes for extra vegetables without the heaviness.

Hearty Option

Layer creamy potatoes with seasoned ground pork and broccoli, adding tomatoes for acidity and depth. Think of it as a comforting baked dish where everything melds together over heat.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

Replace ground pork with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat. The broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes remain the anchors, with the same cooking methods and seasonings working just as well.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Ground chicken or turkey
Ground beef
Italian sausage (bulk)
Crumbled tofu
Tempeh
Ground lamb

Carb Substitutes

Cauliflower rice
White or brown rice
Pasta
Polenta
Sweet potatoes
Farro or barley

Flavor Boosters

Soy sauce and sesame oil
Cumin and chili powder
Fresh garlic and herbs
Cream or coconut milk
Red pepper flakes
Lemon zest and Parmesan

Common Questions

Should I cook the broccoli and pork separately?

It depends on your dish. For stir-fries or skillet meals, cooking them together works well—the pork fat flavors the broccoli as it cooks. For baked dishes, par-roasting the broccoli first helps it develop better texture.

What's the best way to season ground pork?

Ground pork pairs beautifully with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, cumin, or Italian herbs. Since it's mild, it benefits from bold, decisive flavors rather than subtle ones.

How do I keep potatoes from overshadowing the other ingredients?

Cut them smaller so they cook faster and don't dominate the plate. You can also mash some of them to create a creamy base while leaving others chunky for texture variety.