This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that combines the savory flavors of ground beef with crisp broccoli and a tasty sauce. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy night in. The best part? It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze.
- Healthy Veggies: Packed with fresh broccoli, this dish adds essential nutrients to your meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken if desired.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the ground beef.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables quickly.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and peppers easier and safer.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli dish:
For the Protein and Veggies
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
For the Sauce
- Salt/White Pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the broccoli florets and dicing the onion. Slice the red bell pepper as well, so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the peanut oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the beef is cooked through, add diced onion and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Then add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well until combined.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with cooked beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli meal!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Serving Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful experience that can be made even better with a few thoughtful presentations. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that your family will enjoy.
On a Bed of Rice
- Use cooked rice as a base for the beef and broccoli. This allows the flavorful sauce to soak into the rice, enhancing every bite.
With a Side of Noodles
- Serve the ground beef and broccoli over noodles for a fun twist. Asian-style noodles like udon or soba work particularly well with this recipe.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, spoon the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. This offers a crunchy texture and makes it easy to eat as finger food.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
Accompanied by Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness. These herbs complement the savory flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
To achieve the best Ground Beef and Broccoli, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your cooking game.
Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. It also ensures less grease in your dish, allowing the flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Steam or sauté broccoli just until it’s bright green. This keeps it tender-crisp and packed with nutrients without losing its vibrant color.
Enhance Flavor with Marinade: Marinate your beef briefly in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. This adds depth to the meat’s flavor profile.
Use High Heat Cooking: Cook at medium-high heat to quickly sear the meat and vegetables. This technique helps lock in moisture while developing rich flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the main dish perfectly.
Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice provides an aromatic base that pairs well with the savory sauce of the beef and broccoli.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infused with garlic, this fried rice adds flavor complexity while being simple to prepare alongside your main dish.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful stir-fried veggies brings additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your plate.
Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls make for a fun appetizer or side that can be filled with vegetables or meat, enhancing your meal’s variety.
Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and balances out the richness of the beef dish.
Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as a comforting starter, offering warmth while being low-calorie alongside your hearty main course.
Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers brightness, cutting through the savory flavors of Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables provide a light yet satisfying accompaniment that complements Asian flavors wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef and Broccoli can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Neglecting the Vegetables: Overcooking or undercooking broccoli can affect its taste. Ensure you cook the broccoli until tender yet crisp for the best results.
- Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season the ground beef properly will result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper during cooking for enhanced taste.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Let your ground beef and broth sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking.
- Not Thicken Sauce Correctly: Adding cornstarch directly into the sauce without mixing it with water first can create lumps. Always dissolve cornstarch in cold water before adding it to avoid clumps.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking too long can dry out the beef. Monitor the meat closely and cook until just browned for optimal juiciness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Ground Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat in a skillet until warmed, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef and Broccoli.
What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground Beef and Broccoli is delicious served over rice, but it also pairs well with noodles or quinoa.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Is Ground Beef and Broccoli healthy?
This dish is a balanced meal with protein from beef and plenty of vitamins from broccoli. It’s nutritious when served with whole grains like brown rice.
How do I customize my Ground Beef and Broccoli?
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas, or spice it up with chili flakes or ginger!
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Broccoli is an easy, quick meal that your family will love. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with different vegetables or sauces based on your preferences. Give it a try tonight!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. This delicious dish features tender ground beef and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for family meals, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s easily customizable based on what you have in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
- Salt/White Pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash broccoli, dice onion, and slice bell pepper.
- Cook beef: Heat peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and white pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add veggies: Stir in diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened (4-5 minutes).
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water, then add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Combine: Pour sauce into the skillet; stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
