Ground beef and broccoli is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and veggies, making it a balanced meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
Key Benefits of Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground beef and broccoli is more than just a quick and delicious meal—it’s a well-rounded dish that offers a variety of benefits. Here’s why this recipe should be in your regular dinner rotation:
- Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty without the hassle.
- Packed with Protein: Ground beef is a rich source of protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer. It’s a great choice for those who want to refuel after a busy day or a workout.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With fresh broccoli in the mix, this dish is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals like Vitamin C and potassium. It’s a simple way to get in your veggies while enjoying a savory meal.
- Customizable: The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes. Need a gluten-free option? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This meal is a hit with all ages. Kids love the tender beef and flavorful sauce, while adults appreciate the balanced nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing!
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup? Yes, please! Everything comes together in one pan, making it both convenient and easy to clean up afterward.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef – The main ingredient, providing a hearty base. Lean ground beef is best for less fat, but fattier beef gives more flavor.
Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrients. Frozen can be used, but fresh tastes better.
Garlic – Fresh garlic gives a bold flavor. Garlic powder is a convenient alternative but fresh garlic is preferred for depth.
Soy Sauce – Adds an umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control saltiness.
Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty flavor and helps sauté. Vegetable oil can substitute, but sesame oil has a unique taste.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce and gives a glossy finish. Arrowroot powder can substitute, but cornstarch works best.
Ginger – Fresh grated ginger adds heat and a zesty flavor. Ground ginger is an option, but fresh is ideal.
Green Onions – Adds a fresh, crunchy garnish. It’s optional but enhances the dish.
Instructions for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Making ground beef and broccoli is simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Follow these steps to bring everything together in just a few easy moves:
Cook the Ground Beef – Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove excess grease if needed.
Add the Garlic and Ginger – Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar – Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle brown sugar, stirring to combine and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Steam the Broccoli – Add broccoli and water, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes until tender. Cook longer for softer broccoli if desired.
Season and Add Final Touches – Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with sesame oil (optional), and stir to coat.
Serve – Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice to soak up the sauce for added flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your ground beef and broccoli come out perfectly every time:
Use Lean Ground Beef
While you can use any type of ground beef, opting for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) helps keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor. It also reduces the amount of grease you’ll need to drain off, making for an easier cleanup.
Cut Broccoli Evenly
For the best texture, try to cut your broccoli florets into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and have a uniform tenderness when finished.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
The broccoli should stay vibrant and slightly crunchy. Overcooking can make it mushy and lose its bright green color. Steaming for 3-5 minutes is usually perfect, but feel free to adjust based on your personal texture preferences.
Balance the Sweet and Savory
The brown sugar helps balance the savory flavors of the soy and oyster sauces. If you like a sweeter dish, feel free to add a little extra sugar, but start with the amount listed in the recipe for a balanced flavor profile.
Customize with Additional Veggies
If you’re looking to add more veggies to the dish, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work beautifully with this recipe. Just add them in when you’re steaming the broccoli for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Serve with Fluffy Rice
Ground beef and broccoli are delicious over steamed rice, but you can also try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Both options pair well with the savory beef and tender broccoli.
Variations for Ground Beef and Broccoli
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:
Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey or Chicken
For a leaner alternative, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These options still absorb the savory sauce well, and they offer a lighter take on the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as poultry may cook faster than beef.
Add Extra Spice
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or some fresh chopped chili peppers to the dish. Adding these to the garlic and ginger while sautéing will infuse the whole dish with a mild, spicy kick.
Use Coconut Aminos for a Gluten-Free Option
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos. It has a similar flavor profile but is naturally gluten-free, making it a great substitute for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Make it a Stir-Fry
Want to make your meal more of a stir-fry? Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the mix. Stir-fry them in with the beef and broccoli for a crunchy, vibrant dish full of flavor and texture.
Switch up the Protein
For a unique twist, try using other proteins like ground pork or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Tofu can be crumbled and sautéed to take on the flavor of the sauce, making it a great alternative in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli
For a complete and balanced meal, here are two perfect sides to serve alongside your ground beef and broccoli:
Serve with Steamed Rice
Steamed white or brown rice is a classic and comforting side to pair with ground beef and broccoli. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying and hearty. For a healthier alternative, opt for cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
Pair with a Simple Side Salad
A light and refreshing side salad works beautifully to balance the rich, savory flavors of the beef and broccoli. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For added creaminess, toss in some avocado slices to complement the dish’s texture and flavor.
FAQs for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of this recipe for ground beef and broccoli:
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While ground beef is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option will bring its own unique flavor, but they all work wonderfully with the savory sauce and broccoli. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats like turkey may cook a little faster.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, you can easily add some spice to this dish. Consider stirring in some chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced fresh chili peppers while cooking the beef. You can adjust the heat level based on your preference to make the dish as mild or spicy as you like.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this ground beef and broccoli dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan on medium heat until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give you a richer, more velvety texture. Alternatively, reduce the sauce by letting it simmer a bit longer.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms all complement the flavors of ground beef and broccoli perfectly. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
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ground beef and broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp sesame oil optional
- 1/4 cup water
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove any excess grease, if necessary.
Add the Garlic and Ginger
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building the depth of flavor in the dish.
Add the Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar
- Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the beef. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for a minute or two.
Steam the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in the water, cover the skillet with a lid, and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. If you prefer your broccoli a bit softer, cook it a little longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Season and Add Final Touches
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it over the finished dish for a lovely toasted flavor. Stir everything together to make sure the beef and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve
- Serve your delicious ground beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice. The rice helps soak up all the savory sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.