Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Ground beef and broccoli is a classic, easy-to-make dish that's packed with flavor, nutrition, and simple ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal that will leave everyone at the table impressed. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making the perfect ground beef and broccoli dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground beef and broccoli is a savory stir-fry dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender broccoli florets, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a simpler twist on the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry, typically made with sliced beef, but using ground beef offers an easier and faster cooking method without sacrificing any of the taste. The dish is often served over rice or noodles and can be easily customized with different sauces, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both delicious and versatile, perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking for a wholesome, protein-packed dinner.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

To make this flavorful and easy dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef: 1 pound (85% lean is a good option to maintain flavor without too much fat).
• Broccoli florets: 3-4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli (steamed or blanched).
• Soy sauce: ¼ cup (use low sodium to control the saltiness of the dish).
• Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons (adds richness and umami to the sauce).
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (for a deep and aromatic flavor).
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
• Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the salty and savory flavors).
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (for authentic stir-fry flavor).
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (to thicken the sauce).
• Beef broth: ¼ cup (adds moisture and flavor to the dish).
• Green onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced (optional for garnish).
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat).
• Rice or noodles: For serving (optional, but recommended as a base for the dish).

Ingredient List for Ground Beef and Broccoli Sauce

The sauce in ground beef and broccoli is key to giving the dish its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious and well-balanced sauce:

• Soy sauce: Adds the salty, savory base for the sauce.
• Oyster sauce: A thick, slightly sweet sauce made from oysters that boosts umami.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic depth.
• Ginger: Provides warmth and complexity.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce slightly, complementing the savory soy and oyster sauces.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasted flavor essential for stir-fries.
• Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce so it coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about ground beef and broccoli is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute for gluten-free or soy-free diets.
• Cauliflower: Replace the broccoli with cauliflower florets if you prefer, or use a mix of both.
• Spicier version: Add sriracha, more red pepper flakes, or a diced fresh chili pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or on its own for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make ground beef and broccoli from start to finish, ensuring perfectly seasoned beef and tender broccoli every time.

1. Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender. This will ensure they are cooked perfectly by the time you add them to the beef. If using fresh broccoli, you can steam it for about 4-5 minutes. For frozen broccoli, follow package instructions, but avoid overcooking as it will continue cooking when added to the beef later.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the beef moist.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger to the cooked beef. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step infuses the beef with rich aromatic flavors that will enhance the overall dish.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add to the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until combined.
5. Combine beef, broccoli, and sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and stir to coat. Add the steamed broccoli and gently toss everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the beef and broccoli.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or brown sugar if you prefer a saltier or sweeter dish. If you want more heat, sprinkle in additional red pepper flakes.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired. Serve the ground beef and broccoli over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

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

• Step 1: Steam or blanch the broccoli.
• Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
• Step 3: Add garlic and ginger, cook until aromatic.
• Step 4: Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch.
• Step 5: Pour the sauce over the beef, stir, then add the broccoli.
• Step 6: Let the sauce simmer and thicken.
• Step 7: Serve over rice or noodles with garnishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli: Steaming or blanching broccoli for too long can make it mushy. Be sure to cook it just until tender to maintain its crispness.
• Not draining the beef: Ground beef can release a lot of fat. If you don’t drain the excess fat, the dish can become greasy.
• Burning the garlic and ginger: Garlic and ginger burn quickly. Make sure the heat is not too high and stir constantly when adding them to the pan.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the beef and broccoli. Skipping this step can result in a runny sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate your ground beef and broccoli dish, here are some serving and presentation ideas:

• Garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch.
• Add fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro or Thai basil can give the dish a burst of freshness.
• Serve with jasmine rice: This fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.
• Top with a fried egg: For a richer, more decadent meal, add a fried egg on top of each serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is typically served over steamed white rice or noodles, but you can also enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. You can pair it with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a light Asian-style salad for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Bowl presentation: Serve the ground beef and broccoli in shallow bowls with a side of rice.
• Plated with garnish: Serve on a large plate, garnished with green onions, red chili slices, and sesame seeds for a pop of color.
• Family-style: Place the skillet at the center of the table and serve the dish family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Pre-steam broccoli: To save time, steam your broccoli ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
• Meal prep: This recipe holds up well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make a large batch and portion it out for meal prep.
• Freeze it: Ground beef and broccoli freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Just make sure to thaw and steam it before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce.
3. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
4. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the dish.
5. Is this dish keto-friendly? Yes, simply serve it without rice or over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

Conclusion

Ground beef and broccoli is a delicious, simple, and versatile dish that can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With its flavorful sauce, tender beef, and nutritious broccoli, it’s the perfect meal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and give this dish a try today!

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