Ground Beef and Broccoli

A delicious dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef and broccoli is perfect for any occasion. This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner. With tender broccoli, flavorful ground beef, and a rich stir-fry sauce, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it can be served over rice for a satisfying and hearty dinner.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Stir-Fry
• For the Sauce
• For Serving
• How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
• Step 3: Cook the Beef
• Step 4: Add the Sauce
• Step 5: Combine and Serve
• How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Over Rice
• In Lettuce Wraps
• With Noodles
• As a Meal Prep
• How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
• Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
• How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
• Can I add more vegetables?
• How long does it take to make Ground Beef and Broccoli?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Meal: The combination of ground beef with a slightly sweet sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly: With ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken and add your favorite vegetables.
• Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before getting started. Having everything on hand will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large skillet or wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A small container for mixing sauces
• A wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet or Wok: Provides ample space for cooking the ground beef and broccoli evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements for consistent flavor in the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 lb 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
• 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 kind)

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How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small container, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Shake or stir well and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey (adjust later if needed), garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper if desired. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the beef with the diced onions until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Shake the cornstarch mixture, then slowly stir it into the sauce. Let it bubble gently until the desired thickness is reached.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Reduce heat to low, return the broccoli to the pan, and stir to combine. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you want it over rice, in a wrap, or as part of a meal prep, there are endless options to enjoy this savory stir-fry.

Over Rice

• Serve your Ground Beef and Broccoli mixture over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a classic presentation. Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on your preference.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, spoon the beef and broccoli filling into fresh lettuce leaves. This makes for a crunchy and refreshing bite.

With Noodles

• Toss the Ground Beef and Broccoli with cooked noodles like udon or ramen for a hearty meal. Add some extra sauce to enhance the flavor.

As a Meal Prep

• Divide the Ground Beef and Broccoli into meal prep containers alongside grains or veggies. This is perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

To ensure your Ground Beef and Broccoli turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh ground beef with good marbling for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Aim for vibrant green broccoli that’s slightly tender but still crisp to retain its nutrients.
• Balance Your Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the dish; adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.
• Use High Heat While Stir-Frying: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that desirable sear on the beef while keeping the vegetables crisp.
• Let It Rest After Cooking: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld flavors together beautifully.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or additional garlic for more depth in flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this tasty stir-fry.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that absorbs sauces beautifully, making it ideal for this dish.
2. Garlic Soy Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans tossed with garlic and soy sauce add crunch and color.
3. Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and vinegar provides balance to the meal.
4. Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage mixed with carrots dressed in sesame dressing adds a nice crunch.
5. Fried Rice: A flavorful option that can include any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
6. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables make a great finger food accompaniment.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the Asian theme while being light on calories.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles provide an excellent contrast to the savory beef dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Ground Beef and Broccoli, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Sauce Preparation: Always prepare the sauce before cooking. This ensures that all flavors are ready to meld together at the right time.
• Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli. Cook it just until slightly softened, which keeps it vibrant and crunchy.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Don’t forget to season the ground beef! Proper seasoning elevates the dish’s flavor, so don’t skip salt and white pepper.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking. Cold beef can lead to uneven cooking.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Follow the recommended cooking times closely for each ingredient. This helps maintain texture and flavor balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Serve this dish over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables.

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe for a lighter option.

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

Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.

How long does it take to make Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is not only quick but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and vegetables according to your preference. Try this delicious recipe today, and enjoy a hearty meal that your whole family will love!