Ground Beef and Broccoli

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delightful stir fry that brings together savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and a rich sauce—all in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout in any home cook’s repertoire, ensuring that everyone at the table will love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The rich, slightly sweet sauce elevates the overall taste, complementing the beef and broccoli perfectly.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty and delicious meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Small covered container
• Whisk
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking everything evenly while allowing enough space for stirring ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing sauces without spilling, keeping your workspace tidy.
• Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients blend together 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 Ingredients

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. 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 with Meat Mixture

Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and 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: Finish with Broccoli

Reduce heat to low. Return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine everything. Heat through. Taste and add additional honey if desired.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli, an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to please!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is not only a delicious main dish but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether you choose rice, noodles, or something else entirely, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this quick stir-fry.

Over Rice

• Serve the ground beef and broccoli over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic and filling meal.

With Noodles

• Toss the stir-fry with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a delightful twist that adds texture.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s both fresh and crunchy.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Divide the stir fry into meal prep containers with rice or noodles for quick lunches throughout the week.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Top with sliced green onions right before serving to add a burst of flavor and color.

Paired with Extra Sauce

• Serve with additional sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick of flavor.

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How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

To achieve the best Ground Beef and Broccoli, follow these tips that will enhance your cooking experience and flavor profile.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality ground beef can significantly improve taste and texture.

• Control Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should be tender yet crisp for the best bite.

• Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Taste your sauce before adding all the honey; adjust sweetness according to your preference.

• Heat Your Pan Properly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients to achieve a nice sear on the beef.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.

• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve your dish right after cooking to enjoy its vibrant flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant option that pairs well with the savory sauce in this stir-fry.

2. Garlic Bread: For those who enjoy a crunchy side, garlic bread offers a delightful contrast to the soft textures of the stir-fry.

3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances out the richness of the beef, adding crunch and acidity.

4. Stir-Fried Noodles: Quick-cooked noodles tossed in soy sauce make a perfect partner for this beef dish.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients while enhancing flavors on your plate.

6. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables are a fun finger food addition that complements this Asian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef and Broccoli, even experienced cooks can run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep: Not preparing your ingredients before starting can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop and measure everything beforehand for a smooth cooking process.

• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long makes it mushy and less nutritious. Aim for 4-5 minutes of cooking until it’s tender but still crisp.

• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season at each stage can result in bland flavors. Add salt and pepper to both the beef and vegetables to enhance the dish.

• Ignoring sauce thickness: If you don’t thicken the sauce properly, it may be watery. Always mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in slowly to achieve your desired consistency.

• Cooking at high heat throughout: Using high heat for the entire process can lead to burnt ingredients. Start medium-high for browning beef, then reduce heat for simmering the sauce.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Ground Beef and Broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli

• You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Ground Beef and Broccoli, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option.

What vegetables can I add to Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Feel free to get creative! Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or even kale make great additions for extra nutrition.

How do I make my sauce more flavorful?

Adding more garlic or ginger can enhance the flavor of your sauce. You might also try incorporating red pepper flakes for some spice!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is an irresistible dish that combines flavor and convenience into one quick meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also allows room for customization based on your preferences. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your favorite veggies, we encourage you to give this delightful stir fry a try!