Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish everyone loves! It features juicy ground beef and tender broccoli, all cooked together in a savory sauce that brings it to life.
I whip this up on busy days because it’s quick and satisfying. Plus, it’s great with rice or noodles, making it a perfect family meal. You can’t go wrong with this one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish and adds a hearty flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide color and crunch. You can use other veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or even frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
Rice: I always use white rice, but you could easily swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Cooking time may vary, so check the package instructions.
Garlic and Ginger: These ingredients are key for flavor! I love fresh, but if you don’t have them, garlic powder and ground ginger can be used in a pinch (use less, about 1/4 teaspoon of each).
Oyster Sauce: It adds rich umami flavor, but feel free to skip it if you’re avoiding seafood. A splash of soy sauce with a bit of sugar is a decent alternative.
How Do I Get My Beef to Brown Perfectly?
Browning the beef is all about managing the heat and not overcrowding your pan. Here’s what I do:
- Heat the pan until it’s hot before adding oil. A good sizzle means you’re ready.
- Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and ginger first and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef in a single layer. Avoid stirring immediately, as this lets it sear nicely.
- Cook it without moving it for a few minutes until browned. After that, break it up and stir for even cooking.
Getting that nice brown color gives depth to your dish, so don’t rush it! Enjoy your cooking!
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 Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing Garlic and Ginger:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing and fragrant.
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir-Frying the Broccoli:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in. In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they start getting tender but still look bright green. This keeps them crunchy!
4. Combining Everything:
Put the cooked ground beef back into the pan with the broccoli. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), cornstarch, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the beef and broccoli.
5. Simmering the Sauce:
Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up a bit and nicely coats the beef and broccoli.
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it one last stir. Now, it’s ready to serve! Dish it up over cooked rice.
7. Garnishing:
Before you dig in, add some sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finish. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen broccoli, you can add it directly to the pan without thawing. Just stir-fry for an extra couple of minutes until heated through and tender. This is a great time-saver!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you prefer not to use oyster sauce, you can replace it with additional soy sauce or use a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms. You could also try hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as none of the ingredients contain dairy. Just double-check any sauces you use to ensure there are no dairy additives, and you’re good to go!
