Ground Beef And Broccoli

Category: Beef Recipes

This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish brings together tender ground beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce that's quick and easy to make! Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a one-pan meal that the whole family will love. Save this delicious recipe for a satisfying dinner that pairs well with rice or noodles any day of the week!

This dish of ground beef and broccoli is a tasty pair that combines savory beef with crunchy, vibrant broccoli. It’s quick to make and perfect for dinner!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I usually opt for lean ground beef for less fat. You can easily swap it for turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different meats.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is vital for this dish since it adds crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli florets work too—just thaw them before cooking! Alternatively, try snap peas or green beans for a different texture.

Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds nice saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, go for tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is also great if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, try hoisin sauce as a good alternative. For a vegetarian option, use a mushroom-based oyster sauce or simply skip it if needed.

Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil brings rich flavor. If you’re out, canola or olive oil can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same nutty taste.

How Can I Ensure My Broccoli is Tender Yet Crisp?

The goal for the broccoli is to be tender but still have a nice crunch. To achieve this, follow these steps:

  • Keep your pan at medium-high heat. This ensures the broccoli cooks quickly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; adding too much at once can steam the broccoli instead of stir-frying it.
  • Add the broccoli after the beef is browned. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You want the color to brighten, indicating it’s cooked but still firm.
  • If you like your broccoli softer, add a splash of water and cover the pan for about 1 minute to create steam, then uncover to finish cooking.

In my experience, this method keeps the broccoli vibrant and delicious!

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For Garnish:

  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking. So, in just around 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Flavor Base:

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds until they release a wonderful aroma—this is going to add great flavor!

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked. Make sure there are no pink bits left!

3. Add the Broccoli:

Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them together with the beef for about 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender yet still a bit crispy—this keeps the dish vibrant and fresh!

4. Mix in the Sauces:

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together well so that all the flavors blend. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Season and Serve:

Now, give your dish a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. When you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to serve! Spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked white rice.

6. Final Touch:

For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Now you’re ready to enjoy your hearty meal!

Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like ground tofu or tempeh. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly; aim for the same browning and cooking through as with ground beef.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli often cooks faster than fresh.

What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?

If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Keep in mind that these substitutes may offer a slightly different flavor, so adjust according to your taste!

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