Ground Beef and Broccoli
This delicious and quick Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tender broccoli with savory ground beef and a rich, slightly sweet sauce. This dish is not only family-friendly but also versatile enough for various occasions, whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a fun gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of savory ground beef and fresh broccoli creates a mouthwatering flavor.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal twist.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in one skillet.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great leftovers that reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunches.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Ground Beef and Broccoli, gather the essential tools to make the process smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Small covered container
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the stir fry evenly without overcrowding.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients before adding to the skillet.
- Small covered container: Keeps the cornstarch mixture secure while shaking.
- Whisk: Useful for blending sauces smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable or olive oil)
3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
1 pound 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 (low sodium recommended if preferred)
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 variety)
Optional garnish: sliced green onions
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture
In a small covered container, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Shake well to combine and set aside in a cool place.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper. In the same skillet, cook the beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
Step 6: Combine Sauce with Beef
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow it to slightly reduce.
Step 7: Thicken The Sauce
Shake the cornstarch mixture again. Slowly stir it into the skillet while continuing to simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 8: Add Broccoli Back In
Reduce heat to low. Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Heat through completely. Taste and add additional honey if desired.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Now enjoy this easy Ground Beef and Broccoli dish that brings flavor and satisfaction in every bite!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a casual family dinner or a quick meal prep, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the stir fry over fluffy rice for a classic combination. This helps soak up the delicious sauce.
With Noodles
- Toss the Ground Beef and Broccoli with cooked noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. Try udon or rice noodles for added texture.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option. This makes for a fun and interactive meal!
With Side Salad
- Pair with a light side salad to add freshness and crunch. A simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw works great.
As Meal Prep
- Divide the stir fry into meal prep containers along with rice or noodles. It’s perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
Perfecting your Ground Beef and Broccoli involves a few key techniques to enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you create the best version of this dish.
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Choose quality beef: Using fresh, lean ground beef ensures better flavor and less grease in your dish.
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Don’t overcook broccoli: Aim for bright green, slightly crisp broccoli to maintain its nutrients and texture.
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Adjust sauce sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness in your sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar or honey according to your taste.
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Use low-sodium options: To make your meal healthier, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth without sacrificing flavor.
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Add extra veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance nutrition and color in your stir fry.
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Serve immediately: Enjoy your Ground Beef and Broccoli straight from the skillet for optimal taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Complementing your Ground Beef and Broccoli with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair perfectly:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy jasmine rice complements the flavors of the stir fry beautifully. Cook it simply with water for best results.
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Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls – These crunchy rolls make an excellent appetizer or side, adding texture contrast to your meal.
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Garlic Fried Rice – Elevate plain rice by frying it with garlic, which adds depth of flavor that meshes well with the main dish.
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Asian Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds provides a cool crunch alongside the warm stir fry.
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Stir-Fried Snow Peas – Quickly sautéed snow peas offer sweetness and an extra crunch that pairs nicely with beef.
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Egg Drop Soup – This light soup can serve as a comforting starter before enjoying the hearty main course.
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Pickled Vegetables – Adding pickled vegetables introduces tanginess that balances out the savory flavors in Ground Beef and Broccoli.
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Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and scallions make a delightful side option that complements well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Ground Beef and Broccoli can be quick and satisfying, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Not Preparing Ingredients Ahead: Failing to chop your vegetables and measure out sauce ingredients before cooking can lead to rushed and uneven cooking. Always prepare your ingredients first for a smoother cooking experience.
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Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can result in mushy texture and loss of vibrant color. Aim for crisp-tender broccoli, cooking it just 4–5 minutes in the skillet.
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Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper may leave your dish bland. Season your ground beef adequately while cooking to enhance overall flavor.
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Using Too Much Cornstarch: Adding excessive cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick and gloopy. Use the recommended amount, adjusting if needed based on your preferred sauce consistency.
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Neglecting Rice Preparation: Using plain rice without seasoning can dull the dish’s flavor. Consider adding chicken bouillon or other spices to your rice for an extra layer of taste.
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Rushing the Sauce Reduction: Bringing the sauce to a boil and then rushing it might prevent it from developing rich flavors. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes as indicated in the recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best flavor and safety.
Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ground Beef and Broccoli that may help you perfect this dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a healthier alternative. It will give you a lighter dish while maintaining great flavor.
How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli healthier?
Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey, use low-sodium soy sauce, and add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
What type of rice pairs well with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
White rice is commonly used, but brown rice or jasmine rice can also add unique flavors. Choose what you enjoy most!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything except adding broccoli until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat it when needed.
How do I customize my Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Feel free to add other veggies like snap peas or mushrooms. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that suits busy weeknights perfectly. With its quick prep time and versatility, you can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins. Give it a try—your family will love this comforting meal!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious dinner with this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish marries tender broccoli with savory ground beef in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that’s sure to please the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this one-pan wonder is not only easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Serve it over fluffy rice or toss it with noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp peanut oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- In a small container, mix cornstarch and cold water; set aside.
- Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a skillet; add broccoli and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add bell pepper and sauté for another minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet; bring to boil then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture until sauce thickens.
- Return broccoli to skillet; heat through and serve over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
