Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, I have the perfect recipe for you: Ground Beef and Broccoli! This dish is one of my favorites because it combines tender broccoli with flavorful ground beef, all coated in a savory sauce that’s simply irresistible. Not only is it tasty, but it also comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice or noodles, and it’s packed with nutrients that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. Plus, the one-pan cooking means less cleanup for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this delicious combination of flavors.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to relax after dinner.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and savory sauce elevates the dish to something truly special.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or personal tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets (see note)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground sirloin)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your meals.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Broccoli

Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes while tossing frequently. You want them vibrant green with a tender-crisp texture. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked broccoli adds both flavor and nutrition to your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next up, add the ground beef along with minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until mostly browned, breaking it into small pieces as you go. If there’s excess fat, drain it or use a paper towel to soak it up. Browning the beef not only enhances its flavor but also gives your dish that hearty base.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While your beef cooks, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is where all the magic happens—its sweet and savory notes will flavor every bite!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your beef is nicely browned, pour in that delicious sauce we just made. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together so that each piece gets coated in that amazing sauce. It’s important to combine well so everyone gets a taste of those wonderful flavors!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Season with salt to taste before serving right away over rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if you’d like! This final touch adds a great crunch and makes your meal look even more appealing.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Ground Beef and Broccoli is sure to become a family favorite.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli

Cooking can be a breeze when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli turns out delicious every time.

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Having everything chopped and measured before you start cooking can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on the cooking process and enjoy the experience.

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients. Look for vibrant green florets with firm stems for the best results.

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: To maintain that beautiful bright color and crisp-tender texture, keep an eye on the broccoli while cooking. A quick sauté is all it needs!

• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preferences. Adding a bit more soy sauce or sugar can create a flavor profile that suits your palate perfectly.

• Make it a One-Pan Meal: Keep things simple by using one pan throughout the entire cooking process. This minimizes cleanup and allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serving this dish is an opportunity to get creative! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch that enhances both appearance and taste.
• Chopped Green Onions: Slicing fresh green onions provides a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the beef.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch that complements the other flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce from the beef and broccoli, making every bite satisfying.
• Garlic Noodles: Tossed in garlic butter with just a hint of soy sauce, these noodles add an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with your main dish.
• Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Their crisp texture and slight sweetness make them an excellent contrast to the beef, adding variety to your plate.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal nicely, providing comfort alongside your hearty main dish.

With these serving tips and garnishes, your Ground Beef and Broccoli will not only taste amazing but also look enticing on any table! Enjoy every bite of this quick, comforting meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and reheat it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down entirely before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged, so you can still enjoy this flavorful dish!

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side salad for a fresh touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe as much as I do! It’s not just quick and easy but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and feel free to share how it turned out! Happy eating!