Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and nutritious stir-fry dish that brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, tender broccoli, and a delicious homemade sauce. This recipe is an easy weeknight meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Inspired by classic beef and broccoli stir-fry but simplified with ground beef, this version is budget-friendly, faster to cook, and packed with the same delicious flavors. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, this dish will become a favorite staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli is incredibly flavorful, thanks to a savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef and broccoli. The ground beef cooks quickly, which makes this dish faster than traditional beef and broccoli, and it’s also more affordable since ground beef is usually cheaper than steak cuts. The addition of fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions adds an aromatic depth to the dish, while soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar balance the flavors beautifully. This stir-fry is also very versatile; you can easily adjust the seasonings or add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots. It’s a comforting, filling, and nutritious meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean for best flavor)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

Garnish (Optional)

• Sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Slowly whisk in the beef broth or water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli (Optional)

1. To ensure that the broccoli is tender and cooks quickly in the stir-fry, you can blanch it beforehand.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
3. Drain the broccoli and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain again. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then push the beef to one side of the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the empty side of the skillet.
2. Add the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the blanched broccoli and sliced green onions to the skillet with the ground beef.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.
3. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious, savory Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry!

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. Ground beef serves as the main protein, providing a rich, savory base. Using 80% lean ground beef gives a good balance of flavor and fat, which enhances the taste without making the dish overly greasy. Fresh broccoli adds a healthy crunch, while green onions contribute a mild, oniony bite. Garlic and ginger are classic aromatics in Asian-inspired cooking, adding warmth and depth. The sauce, with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, balances salty, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating a delicious glaze that ties everything together.

Technique Tips

To ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry turns out perfectly, follow these technique tips. Blanching the broccoli beforehand helps it cook quickly in the stir-fry and gives it a bright green color, though this step is optional. Browning the ground beef before adding the aromatics allows the meat to develop more flavor, and draining excess fat keeps the dish balanced. When adding the garlic and ginger, cook them briefly to avoid burning, as they can become bitter if overcooked. Using a cornstarch slurry in the sauce helps it thicken to a glossy consistency, which coats the beef and broccoli evenly.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Ground Beef and Broccoli can be presented in a variety of ways to suit different dining occasions. For a family dinner, serve it over steamed rice in a large bowl, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or mixed greens. To make it a hearty, one-bowl meal, add additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it in individual bowls with chopsticks or as lettuce wraps with fresh lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on experience.

Additional Tips for Success

To achieve the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced or dried, as they provide a brighter, more aromatic taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons. When stir-frying, keep the heat relatively high to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy, and stir frequently to cook everything evenly. If you’d like a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. Finally, taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed, as different brands of soy sauce and oyster sauce vary in saltiness.

Recipe Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a low-carb version, serve the dish over cauliflower rice or omit the brown sugar. To add extra flavor and texture, mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred. For a spicier variation, add Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

This Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If you’d like to freeze the dish, cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Healthier Twist Ideas

To make this dish even healthier, consider using lean ground beef or swapping it for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content, or replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a high-fiber version, add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. To make it a low-carb meal, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Adding a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking is another easy way to boost the nutrients without altering the flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served for casual family dinners, meal prep, or even as part of a larger buffet-style meal. For a family dinner, serve it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice and a simple side salad. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, set up a “build-your-own” rice bowl station with various toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and Sriracha for guests to customize their bowls. For a healthier party option, serve the stir-fry in lettuce wraps, along with an array of other small dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, and spring rolls.

Special Equipment

This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, but a few basic tools can make the cooking process easier. A large skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying, as it provides enough space to cook the ingredients evenly without overcrowding. A spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the ingredients. If you have a whisk, it’s perfect for combining the sauce ingredients, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved for a smooth sauce. A slotted spoon or spatula is useful for removing excess fat from the skillet after cooking the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced beef instead of ground beef for a more traditional beef and broccoli stir-fry. Slice the beef thinly, marinate briefly in the sauce, and cook until just browned.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of chili oil to the sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works in this recipe. Thaw it first, then pat dry to remove excess moisture. This will help the broccoli cook evenly without becoming soggy.

4. How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
Blanching the broccoli beforehand helps retain its texture. Also, avoid overcooking it in the stir-fry. Add the broccoli near the end of cooking to keep it tender-crisp.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure that the oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. Also, use gluten-free beef broth if needed.

6. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

7. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas make great additions. Just add them in with the broccoli or at the beginning for longer-cooking vegetables like carrots.

8. Is there a low-sodium version of this recipe?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content. You can also omit the oyster sauce and use a dash of fish sauce for a lighter, savory flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, easy-to-make stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful meal. With its savory sauce, tender broccoli, and ground beef, this dish is satisfying and nutritious. It’s highly adaptable, allowing you to make it spicier, add extra vegetables, or customize the sauce to suit your taste. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a versatile meal that everyone will love. Enjoy making this recipe and bring a taste of Asian-inspired flavors to your kitchen!

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