This tasty dish features tender ground beef mixed with crunchy broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s colorful, quick to make, and sure to please the whole family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses lean ground beef for a rich flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey for a lighter option or use plant-based meat if you prefer a vegetarian dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works well too. Just adjust cooking time since frozen broccoli may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient that adds depth of flavor. For a gluten-free version, you can use tamari. If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative.
Oyster Sauce: It brings a unique umami taste. If you don’t have it or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Rice: White rice is served here, but you can also use brown rice for more fiber. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative!
How Can I Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky, but a few simple tips will help you get it just right. First, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This helps to brown the beef and adds flavor.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, and watch for any excess fat—you might want to drain it if there’s too much.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper while it cooks to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavorings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnishes:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and tasty meal to whip up, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Grab a large skillet or wok and place it over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. You want it nice and hot to get that great flavor going!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until they smell amazing and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it around for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper!
4. Add the Broccoli:
Once the beef is ready, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender-crisp—just right!
5. Whisk the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), cornstarch, and beef broth. Once mixed, pour this delicious sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue cooking and stirring for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening up and coating everything nicely. Yum!
7. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the finished dish and give it a good mix to incorporate all those fabulous flavors.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Time to eat! Serve your tasty beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner meats may cook faster than beef. Also, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming soggy. You can also simply add the frozen broccoli directly to the skillet; if doing so, you might need to cook it a minute or two longer than with fresh broccoli.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, ensure that any broth used is gluten-free. Always check the labels on your ingredients for hidden gluten sources!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
