Ground beef and broccoli come together in a delightful and quick dish that packs a punch of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. This easy recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its vibrant colors and comforting taste, you’ll find yourself returning to this dish time and again.
Why We Love This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
You’ll appreciate this easy ground beef and broccoli dish for several reasons. First, it brings together two ingredients that complement each other wonderfully. The richness of ground beef pairs beautifully with the crispness of fresh broccoli, creating a balance that is both satisfying and nutritious. This dish also caters to different dietary needs, allowing for adjustments like using lean ground beef or adding extra vegetables.
Another reason to love this recipe is its ease of preparation. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when time is short. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, which means you won’t have to make an extra trip to the store. Plus, the one-pan method minimizes cleanup, letting you enjoy your meal without a pile of dishes waiting afterward.
You can also customize this dish to suit your preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, you can adjust the seasoning or incorporate different vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that encourages creativity in your kitchen while still being comforting and hearty.
Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them in.
- Pour in the soy sauce and brown sugar, then stir well to combine. Cover the skillet for about 3-4 minutes so the broccoli can steam slightly.
- Uncover the skillet and mix in the sesame oil.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, allowing it to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well-coated.
- Remove from heat and serve the ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
When serving easy ground beef and broccoli, you have several enticing options. Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice or noodles as your base. The choice between these two depends on your preference—white rice, brown rice, or even whole grain noodles can all complement this dish beautifully. Once the base is ready, mound the flavorful mixture of ground beef and broccoli on top.
For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle some sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the dish just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a decorative touch that makes the meal look restaurant-worthy. If you’re looking for a bit more heat, consider serving a small dish of chili paste on the side, allowing your guests to spice up their portions to taste.
This dish isn’t just a standalone meal; it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. The lightness of these side dishes helps balance the richness of the ground beef, creating a complete, satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
To ensure your easy ground beef and broccoli turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips. First, choose high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Lean ground beef can reduce excess grease while still providing a hearty taste. Don’t shy away from patting the beef dry before cooking to get a nice browning on the meat.
Make sure to cook the broccoli just until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli and a less appealing texture. If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cut broccoli florets to speed up the process.
Adjusting the sauce is another way to personalize the dish to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a touch more brown sugar. For a more savory depth, you could incorporate oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for additional flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure the balance of flavors is just right. Keep adjusting the ingredients until you find your perfect blend!
How to Store Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Storing easy ground beef and broccoli is straightforward, making it an excellent meal prep option. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Proper cooling is crucial to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Portion the meal into freezer-safe containers, ensuring you leave space for expansion as it freezes. The dish can freeze well for about three months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Remember to avoid refreezing any leftovers that have already been thawed as this can affect the quality and safety of the food.
Variations of Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
There are countless ways to tweak the easy ground beef and broccoli recipe to keep your meals exciting. One popular variation involves adding vibrant vegetables to the mix. Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas not only enhance the nutritional value but also bring a pop of color to your plate.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can incorporate different marinades or sauces inspired by different cuisines. For instance, teriyaki sauce or a sweet chili sauce can add a unique twist.
If you want to experiment with different proteins, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options create a lighter variation while maintaining the dish’s essential flavors. You can also try using tofu for a vegetarian alternative—marinating it beforehand can enhance the flavor profile even further.
For a grain-free option, serve the mixture over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a fresh and low-carb approach. With these variations, you can enjoy this dish in numerous ways and find new favorite combinations.
FAQ about Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
What is the best way to cook broccoli for easy ground beef and broccoli?
The best way to cook broccoli is to briefly steam it until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. This keeps its nutrients and gives it a wonderful texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How can I make easy ground beef and broccoli spicy?
You can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce based on your heat preference.
What can I serve with easy ground beef and broccoli?
You can serve it with cooked rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How long does easy ground beef and broccoli last in the fridge?
It lasts up to three days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef High-quality ground beef recommended
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or pre-cut for convenience
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water For thickening the sauce
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
- according to taste green onions for garnish Optional
- according to taste sesame seeds for garnish Optional
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving White rice, brown rice, or noodles all work
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them in.
- Pour in the soy sauce and brown sugar, then stir well to combine. Cover the skillet for about 3-4 minutes so the broccoli can steam slightly.
- Uncover the skillet and mix in the sesame oil.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, allowing it to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well-coated.
- Remove from heat and serve the ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!