Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Looking for a fast, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein and veggies? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. It’s a simple stir-fry made with savory ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a tasty sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re trying to meal prep or whip up something fast, this dish is easy, nutritious, and full of flavor.

this Recipe

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simplified, healthier take on the popular Chinese-American stir-fry, beef and broccoli. Instead of using sliced beef, this recipe uses ground beef, making it quicker to cook and more budget-friendly. The dish is stir-fried with broccoli florets in a savory soy-based sauce, making it both nutritious and delicious. This recipe is versatile enough to serve as a stand-alone meal or paired with rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and easy Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe:

1 lb ground beef: Lean ground beef is a great option for a lower-fat meal, but you can also use regular ground beef and drain the fat.
4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a crunchy texture and a ton of nutrients to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the sauce.
1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger gives the dish a fragrant, spicy kick.
2 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef and vegetables.

Sauce Ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce: The base of the sauce, providing savory and salty flavors.
2 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a deep, rich umami flavor.
2 tablespoon hoisin sauce: For a touch of sweetness and complexity.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the richness of the sauce with a hint of acidity.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasted flavor that complements the beef and broccoli.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce.
1 tablespoon water: To mix with the cornstarch for a slurry (optional).

Optional Garnishes:
Sesame seeds: For an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Green onions: Thinly sliced, for a fresh, zesty garnish.
Red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat.

Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

Meat Substitutions: You can easily swap out ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even pork for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Options: While broccoli is a staple, you can add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to bulk up the stir-fry and add more nutrients.
Low-Sodium: For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to reduce the salt content.
Keto-Friendly: Skip the cornstarch and serve the dish over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and be sure the hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.
Spicy Twist: Add more heat with sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or a bit of chili garlic sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and peeling and mincing the ginger. Separate the broccoli into bite-sized florets if it’s not pre-cut. Set all the ingredients aside so they’re ready to go when you start cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch if you're using it. Set the sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside in a bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften and the garlic and ginger are fragrant. Then add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir-fry the broccoli for 4-5 minutes, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can add a splash of water to the pan, cover it, and let the broccoli steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the broccoli is cooked, return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together and pour in the sauce. Stir the mixture so the beef and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Final Adjustments
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit more soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, or some red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can dry out quickly. Keep an eye on it while browning, and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s no longer pink.
2. Overcooking the Broccoli: To keep the broccoli bright and slightly crunchy, stir-fry it just until tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to steam it a bit if you like softer broccoli, but don’t let it cook for too long.
3. Skipping the Sauce Thickeners: If you want a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. It helps the sauce cling better to the beef and broccoli.
4. Not Tasting the Sauce: Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your soy sauce brand, you may need to add a little more sweetness or acidity.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef and Broccoli is delicious served over a bed of jasmine rice or noodles. For a healthier alternative, you can serve it over brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce if you like a little heat.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli over a bed of rice or noodles for a full meal. If you're meal prepping, portion it out into containers with rice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or pair it with a simple side salad.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

For a beautiful presentation, serve the dish in shallow bowls or plates with a side of rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top. Add a small dish of soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for guests to customize their flavors. You can also add a few slices of fresh lime or lemon for a bright, tangy garnish.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook the ground beef and broccoli, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.
2. Freezing: Ground Beef and Broccoli also freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
3. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to this dish. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots all make great additions.
4. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week, simply double the recipe. It’s a forgiving dish that’s easy to scale up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. Frozen broccoli may release more water, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are also gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also sauté a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic for extra heat.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, this recipe works well with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you use.

Q: How long does Ground Beef and Broccoli keep in the fridge?
A: Ground Beef and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to your liking. Enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in under 30 minutes with this simple and tasty stir-fry!

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