Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner option that can be made in under 30 minutes? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. It combines savory ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a mouthwatering sauce for a dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own. Stick with us as we walk you through this easy-to-make recipe, and get ready to add it to your weekly meal rotation!

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, stir-fried dish inspired by the popular Chinese-American beef and broccoli stir-fry. Instead of using slices of beef, this version uses ground beef, making the dish more budget-friendly and faster to prepare. The beef is sautéed with garlic, onions, and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, and then tossed with crisp broccoli florets. This meal is a one-pan wonder, perfect for busy families or anyone who needs a fast, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this easy ground beef and broccoli dish:

1. Ground Beef – 1 pound (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
2. Broccoli Florets – 4 cups (about 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces)
3. Soy Sauce – ¼ cup (low-sodium recommended)
4. Hoisin Sauce – 2 tablespoons (for sweetness and extra flavor)
5. Sesame Oil – 2 teaspoons (adds a nutty aroma)
6. Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (for thickening the sauce)
7. Beef Broth – ¼ cup (or water, if you don’t have broth)
8. Brown Sugar – 1 tablespoon (to balance the salty and savory flavors)
9. Rice Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (adds a tangy touch)
10. Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (adds bold flavor)
11. Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced (fresh ginger works best)
12. Onion – 1 small, chopped (optional but adds great depth of flavor)
13. Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
14. Sesame Seeds – 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
15. Green Onions – 2, sliced (for garnish)
16. Cooked Rice or Noodles – for serving (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to modify this ground beef and broccoli recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Ground Meat Alternatives: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
• Broccoli Alternatives: Broccoli is classic, but feel free to swap it for other veggies like cauliflower, snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers. You can even use frozen broccoli if you're in a pinch—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for more variety and nutrients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is as easy as it is tasty. Follow these steps to have dinner on the table in no time.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside. This will be the sauce that coats the beef and broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet glaze.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave. Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water, cover with a plate or microwave-safe lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion (if using), minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the onions have softened slightly.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan, if necessary.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Broccoli
Once the beef is cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken and coat the beef evenly. Next, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until the broccoli is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is coated, your ground beef and broccoli is ready to serve! Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the dish over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Broccoli: To ensure that your broccoli retains its bright green color and crisp texture, be sure to blanch or steam it just until tender. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
2. Not Draining Excess Fat: Ground beef can release a lot of grease during cooking. Make sure to drain the excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
3. Too Much Sauce: While the sauce is delicious, adding too much can make the dish soggy. Stick to the recipe measurements for a perfectly balanced flavor and consistency.
4. Using High Heat for the Sauce: Once you add the sauce to the skillet, lower the heat slightly to prevent the sauce from burning or becoming too thick. You want a smooth, glossy finish, not a sticky or clumpy sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef and Broccoli can be served in many ways, and here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Rice: Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice for a classic pairing. For a low-carb alternative, use cauliflower rice.
• Noodles: Toss the beef and broccoli with cooked noodles (like lo mein or rice noodles) for a satisfying beef noodle stir-fry.
• Bowls: Build a hearty grain bowl by serving the beef and broccoli over quinoa or farro, topped with sliced avocado, pickled veggies, and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil.
• Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to make beef and broccoli wraps, perfect for a light, handheld meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

1. Plating: For an elegant presentation, serve the ground beef and broccoli in shallow bowls with the rice or noodles placed beneath the beef. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a professional touch.
2. Family-Style Serving: Serve the dish on a large platter with rice on the side, so everyone can help themselves at the table.
3. Garnishes: Garnish with additional sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha or sesame oil, and lime wedges to brighten the flavors.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch, divide it into individual containers, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze ground beef and broccoli for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
• Add a Kick: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for some heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thin, make a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the sauce and cook for another minute until it thickens.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or even crumbled tofu. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: For a spicier version, add more minced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve with chili oil on the side.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet and savory sauce makes it a dish the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this meal is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a tasty, homemade dinner in under 30 minutes!

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