This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a tasty and quick meal, perfect for busy nights! Juicy ground beef pairs wonderfully with bright green broccoli, all tossed in a savory sauce.
I love making this dish when I want something healthy but filling. Plus, it’s one of my go-to recipes because it’s super easy to whip up in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease and a healthier dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. I sometimes use ground beef mixed with pork for added flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the key here for crunch and color. If you can’t find fresh broccoli, frozen will work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water in your dish.
Rice: I love using white rice, but brown rice or cauliflower rice can be good alternatives if you’re after a healthier twist. You can even use quinoa for a completely different texture and flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic and ginger, but fresh is really best in this dish.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you want to cut down on salt. You can also try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Ground Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef to the right texture can be tricky. The key is to break it up into small pieces for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet on medium-high and adding a little oil. This helps to prevent sticking.
- Add the beef and let it sit for a few seconds to brown. Then break it apart gently with a spatula.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s fully browned. Make sure there’s no pink left.
Keep an eye on the heat; too high can burn the outside while leaving it undercooked inside. I often stir occasionally for even cooking!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will give your dish a wonderful aroma!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Broccoli:
Now, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. You’ll love the vibrant color this adds!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and a bit of water. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture, stirring to combine all the flavors beautifully.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet on top of your beef and broccoli. Stir it evenly to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the flavorful beef and broccoli over a bed of warm, cooked white rice for a fulfilling meal.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a nice finishing touch. Enjoy your tasty Ground Beef and Broccoli!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially for turkey or chicken, to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe! Just add it directly to the skillet while the beef is cooking. You might need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes until it’s heated through and tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to maintain moisture!
