Looking for a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that you can whip up on a busy weeknight? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is exactly what you need! Combining lean ground beef with nutrient-packed broccoli, it's a flavorful and protein-rich meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a simple dinner idea, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. Read on to discover all the ingredients, tips, and variations to make the best ground beef and broccoli recipe!
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a savory stir-fry dish featuring tender ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce. Inspired by classic beef and broccoli stir-fry dishes found in Chinese cuisine, this recipe simplifies the cooking process by using ground beef instead of steak strips. It's perfect for those who want a satisfying, healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The flavor comes from a combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, making it a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this quick and flavorful dish:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended for richness)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (adds a slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry)
- ¼ cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish (optional)
Ingredients List for Serving Suggestions
You can serve Ground Beef and Broccoli in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences. Here are some serving ideas:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
- Quinoa
- Noodles (like rice noodles, lo mein, or udon)
- A fresh side salad or sautéed greens
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to customize the recipe based on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Meat Substitutions: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner or different flavor. If you prefer a more traditional approach, swap ground beef with sliced flank steak.
- Vegetable Options: Broccoli is classic, but you can switch it up with other veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or bok choy. Frozen mixed vegetables also work in a pinch.
- Sauce Variations: If you don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce, you can substitute them with a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, and fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or noodles to keep the carbs low.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Ground Beef and Broccoli:
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets if you're using fresh broccoli.
- Blanch the Broccoli (if using fresh broccoli): In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, just until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. (If you're using frozen broccoli, skip this step and add the frozen florets directly to the skillet later.)
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Broccoli: Add the blanched (or frozen) broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and beef broth.
- Return the Ground Beef: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with the broccoli and aromatics.
- Add the Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your choice of base.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the process for easy reference:
- Step 1: Prep all the ingredients.
- Step 2: Blanch the broccoli if using fresh.
- Step 3: Brown the ground beef and set aside.
- Step 4: Sauté the aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger).
- Step 5: Stir-fry the broccoli.
- Step 6: Mix the sauce ingredients.
- Step 7: Combine the beef, broccoli, and sauce.
- Step 8: Add cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Step 10: Serve and garnish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as you want it to remain bright green and slightly crisp for texture.
- Not Draining Fat: If your ground beef is too fatty, be sure to drain excess grease before adding the sauce to avoid a greasy dish.
- Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry: Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry if you want a thick, glossy sauce that clings to the beef and broccoli.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, even with a simple stir-fry! Here are a few tips to make your Ground Beef and Broccoli dish look even more appetizing:
- Serve in a Bowl: Present the beef and broccoli over rice or noodles in a shallow bowl for a hearty, comforting presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top to add a fresh pop of color and texture.
- Use a Wok or Skillet: Serve the dish directly from a skillet or wok at the table for a rustic, family-style presentation.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here are a few ways to serve Ground Beef and Broccoli for maximum flavor and satisfaction:
- Over Steamed Rice: Serve the dish over a bed of hot steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
- With Noodles: Toss the beef and broccoli with lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti for a noodle stir-fry variation.
- Low-Carb Option: For a healthier, low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- On its Own: If you're looking for a protein-and-vegetable-packed meal, you can serve this dish on its own without a base.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Make your Ground Beef and Broccoli dish pop with these simple presentation ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley can add brightness to the dish.
- Serve in a Lettuce Wrap: For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli in crisp lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb meal.
- Bright Serving Dishes: Use bright or contrasting-colored bowls and plates to make the vibrant green of the broccoli stand out.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish makes for a great meal prep option. It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a family or want leftovers, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or wok to handle the extra ingredients.
- Add Extra Veggies: To make the dish even healthier, consider adding extra vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, Ground Beef and Broccoli can be made in advance and
stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also reheats well for meal prep.
Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef and Broccoli?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I make the dish gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. You can add it directly to the skillet without the need to blanch it first.
Q: What’s a good side dish for this recipe?
A: Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli with rice, noodles, or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious, protein-packed meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try it out, and enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple and flavorful stir-fry that's perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender broccoli, seasoned ground beef, and a savory sauce, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Enjoy this low-carb, protein-packed meal for a quick, healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onions, and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli and beef broth, then cover and cook until broccoli is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of water. Add to skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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