Ground Beef and Broccoli
This quick and delightful Ground Beef and Broccoli is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Combining tender broccoli with savory ground beef and a rich sauce, this dish is not only fast to prepare but also family-friendly. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe stands out with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of savory beef, fresh broccoli, and a touch of sweetness creates an irresistible flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables, this stir fry provides essential nutrients without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or share with friends.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Ground Beef and Broccoli requires just a few essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Small covered container
- Whisk
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A wide surface area allows even cooking of the beef and vegetables, ensuring everything is perfectly sautéed.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing sauces without spills, keeping your workspace tidy.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially for sauces that need thorough blending.
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: Brown the Ground Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. 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 Bell Pepper
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
Step 6: Combine Sauce Mixture
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture from Step 2. Bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow it to slightly reduce.
Step 7: Thicken Sauce
Shake the cornstarch mixture again. Slowly stir it into the skillet while continuing to simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 8: Finish Cooking
Reduce heat to low. Return the broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together. Heat through. Taste and add additional honey if desired.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli! This meal is sure to become a favorite at your table.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or just want a quick meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the stir fry over fluffy cooked rice for a hearty meal. Jasmine or basmati rice complements the flavors wonderfully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps. This adds crunch and is perfect for a lighter option.
With Noodles
- Toss the ground beef and broccoli with your favorite noodles for a satisfying twist. Rice noodles or udon work particularly well.
As Meal Prep
- Portion out servings into containers for easy reheating during the week. This makes it a convenient grab-and-go lunch option.
With Toppings
- Enhance the dish with toppings like chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens to create a colorful salad. Drizzle with a light dressing to brighten up the dish.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
Perfecting Ground Beef and Broccoli is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality ground beef will enhance flavor significantly.
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Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Aim for slightly tender but still crisp broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
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Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after adding cornstarch; if too thick, add a splash of broth.
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Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go; adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.
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Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
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Garnish Thoughtfully: A sprinkle of green onions or cilantro on top not only adds freshness but also enhances presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Pairing sides with your Ground Beef and Broccoli can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
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Garlic Fried Rice: A flavorful option that adds depth with aromatic garlic notes.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy appetizers provide texture and are perfect for dipping.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful veggies can complement the dish while adding nutrients.
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Egg Drop Soup: This comforting soup pairs well with Asian-inspired meals like this stir fry.
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Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cold side that balances out the warm flavors of beef and broccoli.
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Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salads offer contrasting textures and flavors that enhance your meal.
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Miso Soup: Light yet flavorful, miso soup rounds out an Asian-themed dinner perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Ground Beef and Broccoli, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that can affect your stir fry.
- Using Too Much Oil: Adding excessive oil can make your dish greasy. Use just enough to coat the pan for cooking.
- Overcooking Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture for better flavor and nutrition.
- Not Seasoning Before Cooking: Failing to season the beef can lead to blandness. Always season your meat before cooking for enhanced taste.
- Skipping the Sauce Preparation: Neglecting sauce prep leads to uneven flavors. Always prepare your sauce in advance for consistent taste throughout.
- Ignoring Leftover Storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Ensure you refrigerate or freeze your meal within two hours of cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides delicious flavor while being leaner.
What vegetables can I add to Ground Beef and Broccoli?
You can add various vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and nutrients.
How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli healthier?
Consider using less sugar in the sauce or opting for low-sodium soy sauce. You can also serve it over brown rice or quinoa.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Ground Beef and Broccoli stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Broccoli is not just a quick meal; it’s versatile and customizable! You can tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for comfort food after a long day or something fresh and vibrant, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, delightful dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and a rich sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this family-friendly recipe is not only easy to make but packed with flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients and versatile options makes it a staple for any dinner table. Enjoy it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a small container, mix cornstarch and cold water; set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp; remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add bell pepper and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture; bring to a boil then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture until desired thickness is reached.
- Return broccoli to the skillet and heat through; serve over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
