Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe: A Family Favorite

My kitchen adventures recently led me to discover this mouthwatering ground beef and broccoli combination that quickly became a weeknight staple.

Crisp green florets dance alongside rich, seasoned meat in a delightful culinary harmony.

Weeknight dinners demand quick yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers perfection in under thirty minutes.

We savor every bite of the tender protein mingling with vibrant vegetables.

Subtle Asian-inspired seasonings infuse depth into each forkful, creating a balanced meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fragrant garlic and ginger notes weave through the dish, making taste buds sing with anticipation.

What Makes Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe So Balanced

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Perfect weeknight ground beef and broccoli offers a delicious one-pan solution for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like protein or vegetables to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from ground beef with nutrient-rich broccoli, delivering a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients and minimal cooking equipment, ensuring a cost-effective dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Key Items In Ground Beef And Broccoli

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when 80/20 lean to fat ratio for maximum flavor.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the meat, helps create a savory sauce.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, green vegetable that provides crunch and nutrition, look for bright green and firm florets.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic base to the dish, white or yellow onions work best.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, intense flavor, fresh cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Fresh Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy undertone, choose firm and smooth root for best quality.

• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami base for the sauce, tamari works great for gluten-free option.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, sweet-savory complexity to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle tangy brightness to balance the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create glossy texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat component for spice lovers.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.

Ground Beef With Broccoli Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until it turns golden brown, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces.

If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Flavors

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Sauté these ingredients with the beef until they release their mouth-watering fragrance, creating a rich base of flavor.

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and beef broth.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Add Fresh Broccoli

Introduce broccoli florets to the pan.

Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the broccoli becomes tender but retains a slight crunch that adds texture to the dish.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir in a cornstarch mixture to give the sauce a glossy, clingy consistency.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, making sure the sauce beautifully coats the beef and broccoli.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized flavor profile.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions.

Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal, or enjoy as a low-carb option for a lighter dinner.

Ground Beef And Broccoli Cooked With Pro Skill

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot, making the recipe adaptable to different taste buds.
• Cook broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain vibrant color, nutritional value, and a satisfying texture that doesn't become mushy.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
• Double the recipe and store in airtight containers for easy lunches, as this dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Store Ground Beef and Broccoli for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ground beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Side Matches for Beef and Broccoli

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complements the rich, savory ground beef and cuts through the dish's umami flavors with its tannic structure.
• Enhance with Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Create a ginger-infused vodka martini that mirrors the recipe's Asian flavor profile and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty beef and broccoli.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice Accompaniment: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce, adding a subtle fragrant backdrop that elevates the main dish's complex seasoning.
• Match with Crisp Lager: A clean, light Korean or Japanese beer like Sapporo or Hite neutralizes the dish's spiciness and provides a palate-cleansing effect between bites.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Fresh Takes

• Vegan Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce broccoli quantity, increase beef portion, and serve over cauliflower rice to maintain low-carb macronutrient profile.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add extra red pepper flakes, incorporate sriracha sauce, or mix in diced jalapeños for an intense heat kick.

FAQs

• Is ground beef and broccoli a healthy dish?

Ground beef provides protein, while broccoli offers vitamins and fiber. The recipe uses lean ground beef and includes nutrient-rich vegetables, making it a balanced meal option.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein source while maintaining the recipe’s overall flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?

Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, and ensure you drain excess fat from the beef. Add the cornstarch mixture gradually and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

• What flavor profile does this dish have?

The recipe features a savory and slightly tangy taste with umami notes from soy sauce and oyster sauce, complemented by the aromatic ginger and garlic. The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the dish.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry brings savory Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Quick and nutritious ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that delivers robust taste and balanced nutrition in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Thickener and Garnishes:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, then introduce ground beef and crumble while cooking until achieving a rich, caramel-brown color. Eliminate any excess rendering.
2. Incorporate finely minced onions, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger into the beef, sautéing until the mixture releases an enticing fragrance.
3. Pour in complementary liquids: soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and savory beef broth. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding flavors for approximately 3 minutes.
4. Carefully fold crisp broccoli florets into the skillet, covering to steam until they transform into a vibrant emerald green and reach a tender-crisp consistency, roughly 4-5 minutes.
5. Create a cornstarch slurry and introduce it to the pan, stirring continuously to develop a glossy, luxurious sauce that elegantly clings to the meat and vegetables.
6. Elevate the dish’s complexity by sprinkling red pepper flakes, and delicately season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to personal preference.
7. Finish the preparation by scattering toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions across the surface. Serve atop fluffy rice or enjoy as a robust, protein-packed standalone dish.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish while maintaining rich flavor.
• Toast sesame seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma and provide deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Chop broccoli into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for individuals watching salt intake, maintaining delicious flavor without excessive sodium.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg