Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of those delightful dishes that comes together in a flash—just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for dinner. The combination of tender beef and vibrant broccoli tossed in a savory sauce brings comfort and joy to any table.

What makes this recipe special is how versatile it is. You can serve it over fluffy rice or noodles, making it an easy go-to for meal prep or a quick dinner solution. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, so everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only one pan needed, cleanup is a breeze, making this perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you fueled without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets (feel free to adjust based on your preference)
• 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

For Garnish (optional)

• sesame seeds

Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to kick up the heat!
• Try different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a unique twist.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your broccoli florets. Cook them while tossing frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are vibrantly green with a tender-crisp texture. This step ensures your broccoli stays bright and retains its nutrients. Remove it to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add your ground beef along with minced garlic. Cook this mixture for 5-6 minutes until mostly browned, breaking it up into small pieces as you go. This helps create those delicious little bits of flavor throughout your dish. If there’s excess fat, drain it or soak it up with a paper towel.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While your beef browns, grab a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and freshly-ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. This sauce will add depth to your dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your beef is nicely browned, pour in the prepared sauce. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then return your vibrant broccoli to the pan and toss everything to coat evenly in that delicious sauce. Season with salt to taste if needed.

Serve immediately over rice or noodles! If you’d like to add an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top as garnish before serving. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli

Cooking can be a joy, especially when you have a few handy tips to help streamline the process!

• Choose fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also provides more nutrients. Look for florets that are bright green and firm.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary ensures even browning of the beef and keeps the broccoli crisp. It helps maintain that delightful texture!
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. On the flip side, if you love some heat, feel free to add more!
• Experiment with sauces: Try using different varieties of low-sodium soy sauce or adding a splash of hoisin sauce for a unique twist. This can enhance the depth of flavor in your dish!
• Meal prep friendly: Double the recipe and store leftovers in an airtight container for easy lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and saves you cooking time later!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Presenting your Ground Beef and Broccoli beautifully can make mealtime even more enjoyable! Here are some suggestions to elevate your dish.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced Red Chili: For those who enjoy extra heat, thin slices of red chili bring both spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its fluffy texture makes it perfect for soaking up the savory sauce, providing a comforting base for your beef and broccoli.
• Garlic Noodles: Soft noodles sautéed with garlic complement this dish wonderfully, adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Stir-Fried Snow Peas: These crunchy veggies add vibrant color and additional nutrients while keeping meal prep simple and quick.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing balances out the richness of the ground beef and brings freshness to your plate.

With these serving ideas, your Ground Beef and Broccoli will not only taste amazing but look stunning on any dinner table! Enjoy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week without much fuss!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label containers with the date so you can easily keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Ensure to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• Ground Beef and Broccoli can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until heated thoroughly, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

Can I use other vegetables in Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure they remain tender-crisp.

How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using leaner cuts of ground beef and adding more vegetables. You can also serve it over brown rice or whole grain noodles for added nutrition.

What dishes pair well with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A light salad on the side adds a refreshing touch!

Can I make Ground Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Simply follow the storing instructions above to keep it fresh throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Ground Beef and Broccoli dish! It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to share your experiences or any tweaks you made—I’d love to hear about them!