Ground Beef and Broccoli

A delicious and quick meal, Ground Beef and Broccoli is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this savory dish featuring tender broccoli and rich ground beef in a slightly sweet stir-fry sauce. Ideal for families or anyone looking for a satisfying dinner option, it pairs beautifully with rice, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a deliciously rich stir-fry sauce that enhances the dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and lean ground beef, this recipe offers a nutritious dinner option that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken, or add your favorite vegetables to customize this dish.
• Family-Friendly: With its appealing flavors and colorful presentation, even picky eaters will love digging into this meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for even cooking of the beef and vegetables while allowing enough space for easy stirring.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining sauces and ingredients before adding them to the skillet to streamline your cooking process.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, which is key for achieving the best flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• 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)

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How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small container, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Shake or stir well and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey (adjust later if needed), garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook and crumble the beef with the diced onions until browned and cooked through.
2. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch mixture again; then slowly stir it into the sauce. Allow it to bubble gently until reaching your desired thickness.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Reduce heat to low, return the broccoli to the pan, and stir everything together until well combined. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serving Ground Beef and Broccoli is simple and versatile. This dish pairs well with various sides to enhance its flavor and nutrition. Here are some creative serving suggestions that can elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The classic base for this dish, offering a fluffy texture that absorbs the savory sauce.
• Brown Rice: A healthier alternative, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a light, nutritious substitute.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce Leaves: Use crisp leaves to wrap the beef and broccoli for a refreshing bite.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Offers a crunchy texture that complements the warm filling perfectly.

As Tacos

• Soft Tortillas: Fill warm tortillas with ground beef and broccoli for a fun twist on traditional tacos.
• Crunchy Taco Shells: For added crunch, use hard taco shells to hold the mixture.

With Noodles

• Rice Noodles: Serve the beef and broccoli over rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
• Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the dish.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

Perfecting Ground Beef and Broccoli can make this dish even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure great results every time.

• Bold Flavoring: Experiment with soy sauce types—using dark soy sauce can intensify the umami taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Frozen options work too but may alter consistency.
• Cook in Batches: If you have a large quantity, cook in batches to ensure everything is evenly cooked without overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sauce before serving; adjust honey or sugar to achieve your preferred sweetness level.
• Thickening Techniques: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch until desired consistency is reached.
• Garnish Smartly: Adding toppings like sesame seeds or green onions right before serving enhances both visuals and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli makes for an excellent main course, but pairing it with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Fried Rice: Packed with veggies, this flavorful side adds texture and richness to your plate.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide an appealing crunch alongside this stir-fry.
3. Miso Soup: Light yet flavorful, miso soup offers warmth and depth as a starter or side.
4. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with pork or vegetables bring another layer of flavor that pairs nicely.
5. Asian Slaw: A refreshing crunchy salad made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing balances the savory beef dish.
6. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic add vibrant color and nutrients while maintaining simplicity.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef and Broccoli, it’s easy to make common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauce preparation: Always prepare your sauce before cooking. This ensures you can add it immediately when the beef is ready, preventing overcooking.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cook broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp. This keeps it vibrant and flavorful while avoiding mushiness.
• Not seasoning the beef properly: Seasoning ground beef with salt and pepper enhances its flavor. Don’t skip this step to ensure a tasty dish.
• Using too high heat for the sauce: Cooking on high heat can cause the sauce to burn. Keep it at medium heat for even cooking and a better texture.
• Ignoring storage instructions: Proper storage helps maintain freshness. Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after meals.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ground Beef and Broccoli in airtight containers.
• It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Adding more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers also boosts nutrition.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just thaw it completely, pat dry, and follow the recipe as directed.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick weeknight dinner option!

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful combination of flavors that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. You can easily customize this dish by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sauce sweetness. Give it a try — your family will love it!