Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish that perfectly combines savory ground beef with tender-crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a flavorful garlic-soy sauce. This quick and healthy dinner option is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a homemade takeout alternative, this recipe will not disappoint.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is packed with benefits that make it a must-try.

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this meal in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Sauce: The garlic-soy sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: This recipe allows you to use ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet or wok.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from ground beef and nutrients from broccoli, it’s a nutritious choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential tools to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or wok
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or wok: Provides an efficient cooking space where you can brown the beef and stir-fry the vegetables evenly.
• Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients mix thoroughly for a balanced flavor.
• Cutting board: Offers a safe surface for chopping garlic and preparing broccoli florets, keeping your workspace tidy.

Ingredients

This simple stir-fry brings together savory ground beef and tender-crisp broccoli in a flavorful garlic-soy sauce. A quick, healthier dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Cooked rice for serving (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth:
1. Low-sodium soy sauce
2. Oyster sauce (if using)
3. Brown sugar
4. Cornstarch
5. Water
Set aside once mixed well.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once the beef is browned:
1. Add minced garlic to the skillet.
2. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in Broccoli

Now it’s time to add some greens:
1. Stir in broccoli florets.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli.

Step 5: Simmer

To cook everything through:
1. Cover the skillet with a lid.
2. Let it cook for about 4–6 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil

Finally:
1. Drizzle sesame oil over your stir-fry.
2. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve

You can serve this delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli alone or over cooked rice for an even heartier meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a quick meal after a busy day, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the stir-fry over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
• Jasmine or basmati rice adds an aromatic touch, making the dish even more flavorful.

In a Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb option.
• Add sliced cucumbers and carrots for extra crunch and freshness.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef and broccoli mixture with cooked noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.
• This creates a delicious noodle bowl that’s both comforting and satisfying.

As a Salad

• Serve the stir-fry on a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy option.
• Top with sesame seeds for added texture.

In a Bowl

• Create a meal bowl with quinoa, topped with Ground Beef and Broccoli.
• Drizzle with additional soy sauce or sriracha for added flavor.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy it cold in a lunch box or reheated as part of your next meal.
• Pair it with steamed vegetables to keep it healthy on day two.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

To make your Ground Beef and Broccoli even better, here are some handy tips to keep in mind.

• Choose lean beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the dish hearty.
• Don’t overcook broccoli: Aim for tender-crisp broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and oyster sauce amounts based on your taste preference for sweetness and saltiness.
• Add protein: For extra nutrition, consider mixing in tofu or chicken along with the ground beef.
• Garnish well: Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds to add flavor and visual appeal.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and crisp broccoli elevate the overall taste of this dish significantly.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant side that balances the savory notes of the stir-fry perfectly.
2. Fried Rice
   A delicious way to use leftover rice, packed with veggies and egg for added protein.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Colorful vegetables like bell peppers and carrots add variety while being nutritious.
4. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls provide an excellent textural contrast to the tender beef and broccoli.
5. Miso Soup
   A light soup that offers umami flavors, cleansing the palate between bites.
6. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing side that adds crunch; toss cucumbers with vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
7. Spring Rolls
   Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs give a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
8. Garlic Bread
   An unexpected yet delightful pairing that soaks up all remaining sauce on your plate!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef and Broccoli, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Using low-quality beef: Poor-quality ground beef can lead to a greasy dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long makes it mushy. Aim for tender-crisp by cooking just until bright green.
• Skipping the sauce prep: Not preparing the sauce beforehand can lead to uneven flavor. Mix all sauce ingredients in advance for best results.
• Not draining the fat: Leaving excess fat from the beef can make your dish greasy. Drain the fat after browning the meat for a cleaner taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking too long can dry out your dish. Follow specified times closely to keep everything juicy and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious stir-fry dish that combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli florets, all tossed in a flavorful garlic-soy sauce.

Can I customize Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or even switch to different proteins such as chicken or tofu.

How do I make this dish healthier?

To enhance healthiness, use leaner ground beef or substitute with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. Also, increase the amount of broccoli for more nutrients.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.

Is Ground Beef and Broccoli suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to cool it down before storing it in containers.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, tasty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, making it suitable for everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to try different vegetables or sauces to make this dish your own!