This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a quick, yummy meal that brings together tender beef and fresh broccoli in a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights!
I love how easy this is to whip up. Just sauté the beef and broccoli together, add some sauce, and you’re all set. Serve it over rice, and watch it disappear!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer leaner meat, go for ground turkey or chicken. They work well too but may be less flavorful.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are great, but if you’re short on time, frozen broccoli works too! Just adjust the cooking time a bit, as frozen broccoli cooks faster.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative if needed!
Oyster Sauce: While optional, it adds depth to the dish. If you want a vegetarian option, hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce makes a great substitute.
Cornstarch: It’s used to thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or even flour, but remember to adjust the amounts accordingly!
How Do I Get My Broccoli Just Right Without Overcooking It?
Getting tender-crisp broccoli can be tricky. You want it bright green and still a bit crunchy. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the broccoli, stir-fry on high heat.
- Cook for just about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it – as soon as it’s tender-crisp, it’s ready!
- If you’re unsure, taste a piece to check texture before serving.
This quick cooking method keeps the broccoli vibrant and fresh! Enjoy your meal prep!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring everything for just 30 seconds until you can smell their yummy aroma.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Keep cooking until the beef is nice, brown, and fully cooked.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Once the beef is cooked, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp but still has a nice bite to it.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and brown sugar. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, take the cornstarch mixture you prepared with water and pour it into the skillet. Stir well to combine, and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your delicious ground beef and broccoli over a bed of warm cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a touch of color and extra flavor!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli dish!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before crumbling and cooking it to achieve a nice texture.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can either skip it altogether or substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce for a savory flavor. Alternatively, you could use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter kick or even a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the broccoli from getting too soggy, it’s best to store the beef and broccoli separately from the rice if possible. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine; just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming too watery. You can quickly microwave it or soak it in warm water before adding it to the skillet.
